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Patrick M. Murphy, Esq., pmurphy@lawyersweekly.com
Reporter, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly & Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly
Pat Murphy has worked more than 30 years in legal publishing as a manager, editor and reporter for various websites and publications.
A member of the Ohio Bar, before becoming an award-winning journalist Pat served four years as a law clerk at the Ohio Court of Appeals, 8th District. There, Pat drafted opinions for two judges in cases involving all types of civil litigation and criminal prosecutions, including death penalty review.
Pat is the proud father of Patrick Jr., who works as a licensed clinical social worker at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. A devotee of the Bigfoot legend, Pat often ranges the woods of Eastern Ohio on the lookout for the mythical creature, accompanied by his trusted sidekick, Buttons, a golden retriever/lab mix. Pat can be reached via email at pmurphy@lawyersweekly.com or at (440) 729-2347.
Recent Articles from Pat Murphy
From the Bench
July 7, 2025
SCOTUS wrap-up: class action over unsolicited faxes revived
U.S. Supreme Court rules 6-3 that federal courts may assess FCC final rulings in TCPA fax cases, reversing 9th Circuit on Hobbs Act limits.
Editor's Picks
July 6, 2025
Judge: verbal objections suffice for repo ‘breach of peace’
A federal judge says verbal objections alone may breach the peace in car repossessions, allowing consumers to sue under FDCPA and Massachusetts law.
From the Bench
July 6, 2025
SCOTUS corrects Boston judge in high-stakes immigration case
SCOTUS ruled a federal judge overstepped his authority by enforcing a deportation-related remedy after the justices stayed his preliminary injunction in the case.
From the Bench
July 3, 2025
SCOTUS wrap-up: factors for revoking supervised release narrowed
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled a federal judge could not consider the need to “promote respect for the law” in deciding whether to revoke a drug defendant’s supervised release.
From the Bench
July 3, 2025
SCOTUS wrap-up: terror victims can sue PLO in federal court
U.S. Supreme Court rules federal courts can exercise personal jurisdiction over the Palestine Authority and PLO in suits for civil damages brought by terror victims.
Editor's Picks
July 2, 2025
Saylor: federal bench weathering storm of Trump lawsuits
Massachusetts federal judges handle a surge of lawsuits over Trump executive orders with minimal disruption, despite a mounting docket and looming vacancies.
From the Bench
June 30, 2025
Justices clarify deadlines for immigration petitions for review
Supreme Court rules a BIA order in withholding-only cases is not a final removal order, impacting deadlines for filing immigration appeals.
From the Bench
June 30, 2025
SCOTUS upholds FCC ‘universal service’ funding scheme
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the FCC’s universal service fund does not violate the Constitution’s nondelegation doctrine, reversing the 5th Circuit.
Front Page Stories
June 30, 2025
Trial Court’s workplace watchdog hamstrung, lawyers say
Attorneys say the Trial Court’s discrimination review office lacks transparency and the authority to make final decisions about remedies, leaving complainants without clarity or effective recourse.
From the Bench
June 29, 2025
Justices: Texas anti-porn law doesn’t violate free speech
SCOTUS upholds Texas law requiring adult websites to verify users are 18+, ruling it doesn’t violate First Amendment speech protections.
From the Bench
June 29, 2025
SCOTUS sinks challenge to ACA preventative-care mandates
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Affordable Care Act task force members are inferior officers lawfully appointed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, preserving key preventive care mandates.
From the Bench
June 27, 2025
Justices back parents on LGBTQ+ opt-out in schools
The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Maryland parents can seek opt-outs from LGBTQ+ curriculum in their local public school, citing the right to religious freedom under the U.S. Constitution.
