Attorney Patricia Lee has devoted her career to creating equal access to justice for low-income people, minorities and women. She is a trailblazer who created an Office of Women’s Advocacy in Santa Clara County, bringing together more than 350 stakeholders from all venues to address challenges facing women and girls. Today, she focuses on improving access to legal services for low- and middle-income people throughout the state in a one-of-a-kind position with the State Bar Association. Ms. Lee also served as executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County. A model for giving back to the community, she designed the State Bar’s Leadership Academy, created a Mentoring Program for women in county jails and worked to enlist attorneys to offer free services for low-income people. The Santa Clara County Bar Association presented her with the Unsung Hero Award, and she was named Volunteer of the Year by the Bay Area United Way. Ms. Lee is also a model of determination. She overcame breast cancer, lost her Redwood City home to fire and rebuilt to stay in the community she loves. She is motivated always by her desire to create a level playing field for all people. Ms. Lee is admired as smart, patient and passionate, sharing her own success to inspire and lift up others.
