This study describes the electrodeposition of $Cu_2Se$ thin films with a two-step approach that is based on the initial modification of polycrystalline Au electrode with a selenium overlayer followed by a cathodic stripping of the layer as $Se^{2-}$ in a 1 M lactic acid electrolyte containing $Cu^{2+}$ ions. For this two-step approach to be effective, the $Cu^{2+}$ reduction potential should be shifted to more negative potentials passed potentials for the reduction of Se to $Se^{2-}$. This was accomplished by the complexation of $Cu^{2+}$ ions with lactic acid. The resultant $Cu_2Se$ films were characterized by linear sweep voltammetry combined with electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry, UV-vis absorption spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy. Photoelectrochemical experiments revealed that $Cu_2Se$ synthesized thus, behaved as a p-type semiconductor.