“What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through.” -Thurgood Marshall
I became an attorney to solve problems. My intent is to always have the determination and dedication to find comprehensive and sensible solutions for my client’s problems.
Education
- J.D., University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
- B.A., University of Iowa, Economics and a Minor in Sociology
Bar Certifications
- Admitted to the Bar of the Illinois Supreme Court
Bar Association Memberships
- Chicago Bar Association
- Northwest Suburban Bar Association
Awards and Recognition
- University of Illinois Chicago School of Law Dean’s List: Spring 2020 and 2021
- Recipient of the DuPage County Alumni Scholarship, 2020
- Recipient of the DuPage Bar Foundation Ambassador Scholarship, 2020
- Intellectual Property Law Society, President 2019-2020
Publications
- Contributing author, “Litigation and Industry Update: Covid-19’s Impact on Music Industry,” ABA Entertainment & Sports Lawyer Journal. (Volume 36. Summer 2020)
- Contributing author, “Litigation and Industry Update: Kanye & Wal-Mart’s Legal Battles” ABA Entertainment & Sports Lawyer Journal. (Volume 38. Summer 2020)
- Contributing author, “Practitioner’s Guide to Common Interest Community Association Act,” CONDOMINIUM LAW: GOVERNANCE, AUTHORITY, AND CONTROLLING DOCUMENTS (IICLE®, 2021)
Community Involvement
Mr. Upchurch volunteers for Lavelle Law Charities. He is the Chair of the Advisory Board for The Uplift 501(c)(3) organization and is a Mentor for Legal Prep Charter Academy.
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Lavelle Law News and Events

Between the state of Illinois and federal courts, there are well over 200 statutes that deal with fee shifting provisions. They lay out ways in which legal fees may become the responsibility of one party in a lawsuit. In this video, Lavelle Law Associates Jodie Upchurch and MaryAllison Mahacek discuss ways that these provisions should be included in contracts and how they can be used advantageously.