Eric Lee is an elections lawyer who guides public and private clients through California’s initiative and referendum process. He drafts and reviews election materials and ballot measures. He also litigates procedural and substantive election disputes, including candidate ballot designation challenges.
Eric works with individuals, counties, cities, and special districts on municipal and public law matters as well. He advises on the Political Reform Act, Government Code section 1090, use of public funds, and other conflicts of interest and ethics laws. He has experience with officeholder issues, from residency and term limit challenges to incompatible offices and qualification requirements. He provides day-to-day general counsel on contracts and open meetings and public records compliance, while representing government entities in complex public policy litigation.
Before joining the firm, Eric worked at the New York City Law Department as a senior appellate lawyer and legal adviser. He supervised and served as lead counsel on numerous appeals, including some of the City’s most significant business, zoning, and regulatory cases. He argued over 40 appeals in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and New York’s appellate courts. He also supported the mayor’s office, various agencies, and City Council on issues spanning social services, revenue, transportation, health care, appointments, and election law. He advised on rulemaking, state and local legislation, executive orders, legal agreements, and policy initiatives. In 2022, the New York City Bar Association recognized him for outstanding achievement and service to the City.
Eric began his legal career at Arnold & Porter LLP handling commercial litigation in state and federal courts. He clerked for the Honorable Denise J. Casper of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
He is a graduate of Harvard University and Boston University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in California and New York.