Lee Budner
Lee Budner began helping clients who could not afford legal representation while he was a student at Boston College Law School.
The skilled family law attorney has continued to work on behalf of those without access to legal resources throughout his career.
He has represented clients who cannot afford divorce attorneys and has devoted his time to learning how to succeed in Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases, which enable undocumented children who are victims of abuse or neglect to qualify for lawful permanent resident status.
Although he’s handled disputes involving hundreds of millions of dollars for clients, Budner considers his pro bono cases to be some of the biggest wins of his legal career.
Budner, who grew up in Preston Hollow and graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas, started his practice in commercial litigation. But today, at Calabrese Budner, he is committed to helping clients resolve more important crises — disputes involving complex divorces, high-asset property division, custody, and the validity of pre-marital and other agreements.
“In myself and others, I try to instill deep care for the quality of work I/we perform,” he said. “For me and my team, the best motivator is a job well done and a happy client.”
What (or who) motivated you to get involved in the community?
While in law school, I worked at Boston College Law School’s civil litigation clinic, where I first started helping clients pro bono. This experience introduced me to the significant legal barriers facing low-income communities. Working directly with clients who couldn’t otherwise afford legal representation showed me how legal expertise could meaningfully impact people’s lives beyond traditional practice — including in the field of family law.
What accomplishment are you the proudest of and why?
No singular accomplishment. Accolades and professional recognition are nice, but the most valuable accomplishment for me is when I can use my skills to accomplish my client’s objectives.
What’s a fun fact that someone wouldn’t know about you?
I am an accomplished ceramicist.
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
A music store called “CD Source.” I learned the value of building relationships in the workplace.
Where do you see yourself and/or your career 10 years from now?
I see myself continuing to work tirelessly for my clients and making a positive impact in the field of family law.
What’s on your bucket list?
African Safari.
What would you tell an 18-year-old you?
Explore different interests. Take risks.
What advice do you have for other young professionals?
If you are committed to what you do and take pride in it, success will come.
