Maximilian “Max” Lee, principal attorney for the Law Office of Maximilian Lee and a longtime volunteer for The LGBTQ Center Long Beach has been recognized by Molina Healthcare of California’s Community Champions Awards program for his notable advocacy and volunteerism. Max has donated his pay it forward $5,000 grant to The Center to help its pro bono law clinic. Due to the pandemic, Molina presented each awardee in Los Angeles County with a trophy and flowers in a socially distanced fashion in lieu of a ceremonial event.
“Max delivers trauma-informed legal assistance and makes his clients feel heard, empowered, and safe,” said Andrew Dorado, interim executive director of The LGBTQ Center Long Beach. “Volunteers like Max Lee make it possible for The Center to offer free legal services to an underserved community.”
Max provides free comprehensive legal consultations, monthly legal clinics, and technical assistance to clients of The Center. In addition to supporting clients in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, hate crimes, and employment or housing discrimination, he created the popular webinar, “Covid-19 Know Your Rights, A Live Q&A: Housing and Employment Rights for LGBTQ+ Individuals.”
Molina Healthcare’s Community Champions Awards program honors and brings together people whose leadership, volunteerism, and public advocacy embody the spirit of service and community. Winners each receive a grant for the nonprofit organization of their choice and a trophy.
“It is a privilege for Molina to celebrate our Champions’ unwavering dedication to serving people in need, especially during these challenging times,” said John Kotal, plan president of Molina Healthcare of California.
The LGBTQ Center Long Beach’s Legal Services Department focuses on providing comprehensive and holistic LGBTQ+-specific legal assistance to community members. LGBTQ+-specific and affirming legal assistance includes victims of crime assistance for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, hate crimes, human trafficking, fraud, identity theft, arson, homicide, harassment, and other crime victimization types.
Other services include employment and housing discrimination and name and gender marker petition assistance. The Center also conducts workshops, trainings, and technical assistance for institutions and service providers throughout the country.
