A former Third Circuit clerk, Upnit is a Managing Associate in the Supreme Court and Appellate practice group.

Upnit represents clients in federal and state courts at both the trial and appellate levels. For example, she has embedded in multiple trials as appellate counsel for Johnson & Johnson to preserve appellate issues. Upnit also works with trial teams in complex commercial matters to draft dispositive motions and develop creative legal strategies. She has presented oral argument in state and federal courts and has co-authored briefs before state and federal trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. In addition, Upnit maintains an active pro bono practice. 

Prior to joining Orrick, Upnit focused on products liability and complex litigation work at Arnold & Porter LLP and a mid-size firm in Upstate New York. This included representing a consumer products company in the defense of thousands of personal injury cases in state and federal courts. She was the primary drafter of several motions and appellate briefs. She was also deeply involved in the firms’ pro bono practice and first chaired a trial dealing with First and Eighth Amendment claims.

Outside of the firm, Upnit serves as the Co-Chair of the DC Women’s Bar Association’s Amicus Committee and Diversity Committee. She is also the Secretary of the Board of her law school’s Alumni Association. 

Upnit previously clerked for the Honorable Theodore A. McKee of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals and interned for the Honorable Thérèse Wiley Dancks of the Northern District of New York. In law school, Upnit served as the Managing Editor of the Syracuse Law Review, and was an arguing member of the American Bar Association’s National Appellate Team. She received the Moot Court Honor Society’s Executive Director Award and the Syracuse Law Review Distinguished Leadership Award.