Purcell has defended personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits resulting from catastrophic occurrences including industrial accidents. During his career, Purcell has been involved in more than 30 bench and jury trials in both state and federal courts. He is licensed to practice law before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois, the Northern District of Indiana and the Eastern District of Wisconsin. Between 2006 and 2014, Purcell was selected for Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine's rising stars list, which recognizes attorneys under the age of 40. Purcell is a member of the Kankakee County and Illinois State bar associations. Prior to joining Spiros Law, Purcell was a partner at a national law firm based in Chicago, where he handled a variety of complex litigation matters. He graduated from Bishop McNamara Catholic High School in Kankakee in 1992 and from Eastern Illinois University in '95 He earned his law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

Purcell serves on the board of directors for Bishop McNamara Catholic High School and is a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Kankakee. He lives Manteno with his wife, Meredith, and children Grace, 10; Abby, 8; and Jack, 6. He is a past member and vice chairman of the Kankakee County Historic Preservation Commission and was co-chairman of Kankakee County Courthouse Centennial Celebration in 2009. He is also member of Knights of Columbus Council 745.