Atty. Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy

Atty. Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy

Larry is an experienced trial attorney concentrating on the defense of individuals and organizations in employment litigation, including matters involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and employment contracts. He has extensive experience advising employers on executive employment contracts, personnel policies and procedures, discipline issues, corporate downsizing, trade secret and non-compete agreements, and drug and alcohol testing.

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Profile Summary

About Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy at a glance

Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy is a employment, business, and litigation attorney based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan, Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association, Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association, and New York, New York State Bar Association. Educated at Wayne State University (J.D., 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management (2026). Serands clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Larry is an experienced trial attorney concentrating on the defense of individuals and organizations in employment litigation, including matters involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and employment contracts
  • He has extensive experience advising employers on executive employment contracts, personnel policies and procedures, discipline issues, corporate downsizing, trade secret and non-compete agreements, and drug and alcohol testing
  • Larry is licensed to practice law in the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin

Practice Areas Explained

Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.

Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Michigan →

Business & Corporate Law

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Michigan →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Grand Rapids are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Grand Rapids or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy

Where is Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy's law office located?
Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy's law practice is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm is Varnum Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy handle?
Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy focuses on employment, business, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
Where did Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy go to law school?
Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy earned their education at (J.D., 1979).
How can I contact Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy for a consultation?
You can contact Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy received?
Lawrence J. "Larry" Murphy's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation; Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment; Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:.

Education

J.D.
Wayne State University
- 1979

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Labor Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Employment
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Fellow, American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed as a Top Rated Lawyer in Labor & Employment, 2013
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Listed in Michigan Super Lawyers since 2006
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Grand Rapids)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Employment Law - Management (Grand Rapids)
- 2020
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Labor and Employment (Grand Rapids)
- 2016

Bar Admissions

Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
Indiana, Indiana State Bar Association
Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
New York, New York State Bar Association
Nebraska, Nebraska State Bar Association

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