Atty. David E. Murphy
David E. Murphy practices litigation including employment, business & commercial litigation, post-employment restrictive covenants, personal and business torts, breach of contract, defamation, severance review and analysis, and executive compensation and termination.
Employment Law - Individuals & More Attorney · Serving Fairfax, VA
Profile Summary
About David E. Murphy at a Glance
David E. Murphy is a employment and litigation attorney based in Fairfax, Virginia, practicing at McCandlish Lillard PC. Admitted to practice in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar, Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin, and Virginia, Virginia State Bar. Educated at University of Wisconsin–Madison (J.D., 2016). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Individuals (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Serves clients in Fairfax, VA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David E. Murphy
- David E. Murphy practices litigation including employment, business & commercial litigation, post-employment restrictive covenants, personal and business torts, breach of contract, defamation, severance review and analysis, and executive compensation and termination
- David represents clients in both state and Federal courts across Virginia and Washington D.C
- David has actively litigated matters from the intake stage through appeal and has significant courtroom experience as a trial lawyer and lead counsel in state and federal cases, as well as many successful settlements, mediations, and other pre-trial resolutions
- In addition to litigating and trying cases with principals, David maintains a busy practice litigating cases as lead counsel
- David has further written and argued countless motions before local Courts, along with writing multiple appellate briefs to the Virginia Supreme Court, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia
- David’s professional recognitions include being named to The Best Lawyers in America® (Employment Law – Individuals; Litigation – Labor and Employment) and to Best Virginia Elite Lawyer – Litigation
- David is also a Barrister at the George Mason Inn of Court
- Prior to joining McCandlish Lillard, David worked as a Litigation Associate at local law firm Charlson Bredehoft Cohen Brown & Nadelhaft, P.C
- David is a Fairfax, Virginia native, and knew at the age of fourteen that he would spend his professional career litigating cases in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area
- David received his B.A. degree from the University of Pittsburgh cum laude, and subsequently earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School
Practice Areas Explained
David E. Murphy's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David E. Murphy handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Fairfax.
Employment Law in Fairfax
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
David E. Murphy is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Virginia →
Civil Litigation in Fairfax
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
David E. Murphy is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Virginia →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Fairfax
Practicing law in Virginia. Legal matters in Virginia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Fairfax are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Virginia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Virginia brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Virginia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Fairfax Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Fairfax-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Virginia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Fairfax or all attorneys in Virginia.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Fairfax Choose David E. Murphy
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish David E. Murphy's practice in the field of employment and litigation.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in District of Columbia, The District of Columbia Bar, Wisconsin, State Bar of Wisconsin, and Virginia, Virginia State Bar, David E. Murphy can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering employment and litigation, David E. Murphy can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Fairfax
A Fairfax-based practice means David E. Murphy attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues David E. Murphy Handles in Fairfax
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David E. Murphy has experience with under Virginia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact David E. Murphy directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find David E. Murphy Online
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David E. Murphy's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
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Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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