Meet the Team

Meet Our Founder

Shakeena Melbourne

At the heart of Upton Law is Shakeena Melbourne, founder and Principal Attorney, a lawyer who is a fierce advocate for your peace of mind and happiness. Known for her cool, calm, and collected demeanor, she brings a refreshing approach to the practice of law. With Attorney Melbourne  at your side, you'll find a legal journey that's less about overwhelming legal jargon and more about clear, understandable guidance and education. 

Attorney Melbourne uses the law not as a barrier but as a tool to help build and enhance your personal or business - goals while supporting her community. 

As an Award Winning Attorney, Lawyers of Distinction, Bankruptcy 2024, Best Lawyer “One to Watch” in 2026 and a 2026 Detroit Spirit Award recipient, Attorney Melbourne knows that you can’t find relief and peace when you have legal concerns that are looming in the background. Her method is to listen, understand and take action as a trusted advisor to her clients. 

Her passion for the law began as she admired and studied her uncle’s business– a Jamaican restaurant in Los Angeles, California. - Attorney Melbourne believed in her uncle’s vision and she saw the barriers that small businesses continuously face. She now dedicates her practice to help small business owners and individuals alike to navigate the unknown and plan for a successful future. 

Whether that is through real estate or business law or filing for bankruptcy, Attorney Melbourne is here to build a trusting and lasting relationship with each client. 

Credentials

    • Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Corporate Finance LLM (Masters in Law).

    • Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctorate focusing in Business and International Law.

    • University of California, Riverside, Political Science with an emphasis in International Affairs.

    • Licensed attorney in the State of Michigan

    • Admitted in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

    • Admitted in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

    • Board of Director of Moving Legacies, nonprofit

    • Founder of Veterans4Me, nonprofit

    • Board of Director of Filthy Cares, nonprofit

    • Advisory Board member of Center for Success

    • ​One Hundred & Fifteen I Ams

    • The Scoop on Bankruptcy and Why You May Need it?

    • The Skinny On: How to be Debt Free in 90 days

    • The Benefits of Filing Chapter 13 and How to Keep Your Sh***t!

  • Attorney Melbourne assist small businesses in Detroit and Metro Detroit with business and legal consulting services.

    If you need small business or legal consulting services book here for further assistance.

    Attorney Melbourne currently work the following nonprofit organizations for Small Business Support

“It’s better to start when the water’s calm, than in the middle of a five alarm fire.”

Meet

The Upton Team