Lydia E. Lavelle graduated with a B.A. from St. Andrews College and received a master’s degree in Recreation Resources from North Carolina State University. She received her law degree from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, after which she served as a law clerk for the Honorable Clifton E. Johnson on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

In 2009, Ms. Lavelle joined the full-time faculty at NCCU Law School where she obtained the status of full professor. She regularly taught State and Local Governmental Law, among other subjects. She has published numerous articles and has co-authored two books. She has also served as a lecturer or panelist in over sixty workshops, events, and Continuing Legal Education programs on topics such as local government authority, legislative issues, and leadership.

Ms. Lavelle has served in public office and as a member or chair of numerous organizations, including the Executive Committee of the N.C. Metropolitan Mayors Coalition, the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Orange County Solid Waste Advisory Group, the Board of Directors of the Orange County Visitor’s Bureau, and the Board of Directors of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. Her memberships in legal organizations include the 18th Judicial District Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys (where she served as past President).

Ms. Lavelle’s practice concentration is in state and local government law, including representation of local government councils and boards.