Shilpi Upadhyaya

Professional Background

Shilpi Upadhyaya is a highly accomplished attorney with a wealth of experience in finance, corporate, and transactional work. Currently, she is part of the New Restaurant Development and Modernization Legal Team at McDonald's, where she plays a vital role in overseeing legal matters related to the modernization and development of new restaurant sites. In this capacity, Shilpi collaborates effectively with team members and external parties nationwide to ensure projects progress smoothly and efficiently.

Throughout her career, Shilpi has demonstrated her ability to handle high-stakes transactions by successfully closing multi-million-dollar deals in commercial real estate finance. Her extensive experience encompasses a broad range of asset types, such as hotels, offices, retail spaces, multi-family residential units, storage facilities, and mobile home communities. Furthermore, she has provided expert counsel to businesses regarding entity formation and corporate governance, showcasing her versatility in the legal sphere.

Before joining McDonald’s, Shilpi made significant contributions in the public sector as an Assistant Attorney General at the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Here, she played a crucial role in the Crime Victims Compensation Division, leading a team of attorneys and claims analysts to improve process efficiencies and advocating for the state in claims. Shilpi's diverse legal experience is further underscored by her initial role as an Associate at the prestigious law firm Latham & Watkins LLP in New York City, which provided her with valuable exposure to both transactional and litigation aspects of the law.

Education and Achievements

Shilpi Upadhyaya holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the New York University School of Law, where she honed her legal skills and developed a strong foundation in various areas of law. In addition, Shilpi expanded her expertise in international law during a semester abroad at Københavns Universitet, which enriched her understanding of legal practices and frameworks on a global scale.

Her academic journey began at the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science, Spanish, and Linguistics. This multidisciplinary background has equipped her with exceptional communication skills and a keen understanding of complex social and political dynamics, contributing to her effectiveness as a legal professional.

Professional Affiliations

Throughout her career, Shilpi has held various influential positions that reflect her commitment to the legal community. Before her current role at McDonald's, she served as an Associate at Gussis & Alexander LLC, where she further developed her legal acumen. Additionally, she was an Attorney at VISANOW Global Immigration, specializing in immigration law and assisting clients in navigating complex legal processes.

Shilpi's journey in the legal field began as a Summer Associate and Legal Intern at Latham & Watkins, where she acquired practical experience that laid the groundwork for her future success. Early in her career, she also worked as a Paralegal at Lewis, Davidson & Hetherington, which provided her with invaluable insights into the workings of the legal system.

Notable Achievements

Shilpi Upadhyaya's career is characterized by her continuous pursuit of learning and excellence in the legal profession. She is particularly noted for her contributions to the efficiency enhancement of legal processes, both in her current role with McDonald's and during her tenure at the Illinois Attorney General's Office. Her ability to bridge the gap between legal intricacies and operational efficacy marks her as a standout attorney in her field.

Her hands-on experience with high-value transactions, strong negotiation skills, and collaborative approach have greatly benefited her clients and employers alike. Through her work, Shilpi has consistently demonstrated a commitment to executing legal tasks with the utmost professionalism while ensuring that clients receive exceptional service—balancing legal obligations with the practical realities of business operation.

title