Pat Murphy

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

Lawyers parse latest SCOTUS decision on FAA exemption

Supreme Court rules delivery drivers on intrastate legs of interstate shipments may qualify for the FAA exemption from mandatory arbitration.

SCOTUS News: Drugmaker’s ‘induced infringement’ suit comes up short

The Supreme Court ruled generic drug labeling alone cannot support patent inducement claims without clear, affirmative steps encouraging infringement.

From the Bench June 5, 2026

SCOTUS News: SEC needn’t show investor losses for disgorgement

The Supreme Court ruled the SEC may obtain disgorgement in securities fraud cases without proving investors suffered financial losses.

From the Bench June 4, 2026

SCOTUS News: Telecoms denied right to jury in FCC data security actions

Supreme Court rules FCC may issue telecom forfeiture orders without a jury trial, upholding fines against AT&T and Verizon.

Buttons to dial phone number on cellphone screen – Deposit Photos

Appeals Court panel OKs ‘accidental’ audio recording in $359K assault case

The Appeals Court ruled that an accidental cellphone recording of a domestic violence incident was admissible, preserving nearly $360,000 in civil judgments.

E-bike lying in road after collision with car

PI attorneys gauge parental liability for e-bike accidents

Personal injury attorneys caution that a parent’s purchase of an e-bike or other “micromobility device” raises the specter of a host of liability issues should their child be involved in an accident.

From the Bench May 31, 2026

SCOTUS News: Retro application of anti-stacking sentencing amendment rejected

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that First Step Act sentencing changes cannot justify compassionate release for inmates sentenced before the law's 2018 passage.

From the Bench May 29, 2026

SCOTUS News: Death row inmate gets relief from ‘Batson’ waiver finding

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Mississippi courts misapplied Batson standards in a death penalty case involving alleged racial bias in jury strikes.

Rear-end collision between cars – Deposit Photos

Appeals Court resurrects attorney’s lien in PI case

A Peabody lawyer has won the right to pursue his claim for a share of fees from a $29,614 arbitration award in a personal injury case that was issued after the plaintiff fired him and hired new counsel.

From the Bench May 25, 2026

SCOTUS News: Justices revive $100M judgments against cruise lines

The Supreme Court ruled cruise lines may face $100M-plus liability under the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act for using confiscated Cuban docks.

MAPAC sues to block law ‘criminalizing’ counsel fee protests

The Massachusetts Association of Private Appointed Counsel is seeking relief at the Supreme Judicial Court, complaining that a state law enacted last summer threatens criminal and civil antitrust penalties against bar advocates if they stop accepting new cases in protest of low pay.

From the Bench May 22, 2026