Odelson, Murphey, Frazier & McGrath, Ltd.’s founding partner, Burton Odelson, started the firm in 1972 and has since earned a reputation as a leading expert in governmental and election law. Burt attended Richard J. Daley College, the University of Illinois at Chicago, and received his Juris Doctorate from IIT Chicago-Kent Law School.

In addition to serving as city or village attorney for municipalities, townships and highway districts, Burt serves as general counsel to an array of local elementary and high school districts and has served a number of labor unions in various capacities.

Burt has been counsel to hundreds of public officials, labor leaders, and candidates for local, state, and federal offices. He participated in numerous landmark cases before the United States Supreme Court, Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts, and was one of the successful attorneys participating in the Bush/Gore recount, which was ultimately resolved by the United States Supreme Court.

As an elected official, he served as Trustee and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Moraine Valley Community College for over 17 years, and served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Brother Rice High School for 11 years. He also serves as a founding director and pro bono counsel for the Women’s Care Center in South Bend, Indiana and Chairman of the Women’s Care Center Foundation Board that began in 2019 in LaGrange, IL.

Burt has been the recipient of many honors and awards. His law school, IIT Chicago-Kent, awarded him the Distinguished Service Award in 2007 and recently, the Professional Achievement Award in 2016. He was made a member of the Brother Rice High School Hall of Fame and was awarded the Stephen Ruff Distinguished Service Award in 2016. Most recently in 2022, Burt was recognized by Crain’s as a Notable Non-Profit Board Leader for his philanthropic work with the Women’s Care Center Foundation.

Burt is married to Patti MacAlinden, and together they have 7 children and 9 grandchildren (and one on the way).