Ms. Purcell graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Political Science. After graduating, Ms. Purcell attended the University of Denver College of Law in Denver, Colorado for one year before transferring to the University of San Diego in San Diego, California. While at the University of Denver, she wrote a law review article dealing with the presidential election in 2000.

While in law school, Ms. Purcell worked for Siegel, Moreno & Stettler as a law intern and paralegal. She also worked for a small bankruptcy firm in Bankers Hill.

Ms. Purcell earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of San Diego School of Law. After passing the California Bar Examination in November 2004, Ms. Purcell began practicing with Siegel, Moreno & Stettler as a workers' compensation insurance defense attorney.

Currently, Ms. Purcell is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and Lawyers Club. She enjoys running marathons and half marathons in her spare time and watching the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox play baseball.