Atty. Michael J. Murphy

Atty. Michael J. Murphy

Michael J. Murphy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment.

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Employment Law Management & More Attorney · Serving Washington, DC

Profile Summary

About Michael J. Murphy at a Glance

Michael J. Murphy is a employment and litigation attorney based in Washington, District of Columbia, practicing at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC. Educated at Columbus School of Law (J.D., 1989). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment (2026). Serves clients in Washington, DC and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Michael J. Murphy

  • Michael J. Murphy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment
  • Michael J., who practices law in Washington, District of Columbia, has been recognized since 2018
  • This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area

Practice Areas Explained

Michael J. Murphy's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael J. Murphy handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Washington.

Employment Law in Washington

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

Michael J. Murphy is one of 167,770 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in District of Columbia →

Civil Litigation in Washington

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

Michael J. Murphy is one of 450,751 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in District of Columbia →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Washington

Practicing law in District of Columbia. Legal matters in District of Columbia are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate District of Columbia state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Washington Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Washington-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 District of Columbia attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in District of Columbia.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael J. Murphy

Where is Michael J. Murphy's law office located?
Michael J. Murphy's law practice is located in Washington, District of Columbia. The firm is Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart PC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael J. Murphy handle?
Michael J. Murphy focuses on employment, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in District of Columbia.
Where did Michael J. Murphy go to law school?
Michael J. Murphy earned their education at (J.D., 1989).
How can I contact Michael J. Murphy for a consultation?
You can contact Michael J. 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 Michael J. Murphy received?
Michael J. Murphy's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management; Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Washington Choose Michael J. 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 Michael J. Murphy's practice in the field of employment and litigation.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering employment and litigation, Michael J. Murphy can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Washington

A Washington-based practice means Michael J. 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 Michael J. Murphy Handles in Washington

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael J. Murphy has experience with under District of Columbia law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Wrongful termination claims
Employment
Workplace discrimination
Employment
Wage and hour disputes
Employment
Non-compete agreement review
Employment

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael J. Murphy directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael J. Murphy Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Washington commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Michael J. Murphy.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Michael J. Murphy directly.

Michael J. Murphy's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Columbus School of Law
- 1989

Awards & Professional Honors

Best Lawyers in America — Employment Law - Management
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Labor and Employment
- 2026

Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael J. Murphy

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