Education & Experience
Matthew J. Murphy is a managing Partner/Shareholder at Murphy Law Firm. Matt aggressively represents clients in the areas of workers’ compensation, unsafe workplace, personal injury, wrongful death, trucking & auto accidents, and employment matters.
Matt grew up in Great Falls and graduated from Charles M. Russell High School in 2004. He completed his undergraduate degree in political science at the University of Montana in 2009. During his undergraduate years, Matt studied international law in Rome, Italy.
Before entering the University of Montana School of Law in 2010, he taught English in Costa Rica and interned at Montana Legal Services in Missoula, a pro bono non-profit offering free legal services to persons in need. He earned his Juris Doctor in May of 2012. He also interned at the Missoula County Prosecutors where he brought several claims to verdict with a 100% success rate.
Matt has tried numerous cases to decision in front of various tribunals, including multiple decisions in the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court, the Montana Human Rights Commission, Social Security Disability hearings, and more.
Matthew Murphy was selected to the 2024 Mountain States Rising Stars list, an honor reserved for those lawyers who exhibit excellence in practice and only available via peer reviewed performance. Only 2.5% of attorneys in Mountain States receive this distinction.
I have worked at Murphy Law Firm, in one capacity or another, since I was 12 years old. I grew up observing how this line of work helps others, and the dire need for attorneys to represent injured Montanans rather than affluent companies, and to help them get back on their feet after an injury. This type of work is exciting, fulfilling, and brimming with humanity. More than anything, I enjoy developing personal relationships with the people I work for, and I’m proud that my clients often become my friends.
Professional Associations & Qualifications
Matt is currently admitted to practice law in all Montana state courts and before the U.S. district courts.
He is also a member of the Cascade County Bar Association, Montana State Bar, American Bar Association, and the Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group.
In 2018, Matt was recognized as the Montana Trial Lawyers’ Outstanding New Lawyer.
Matthew J. Murphy Named an Elite Lawyer
In 2023, Matt was unanimously voted to become the co-chair of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association’s Workers’ Compensation Section, an honor his father Tom held for almost three decades. In the same year, he was also honored with an appointment to the Rules Committee of the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court.
Personal
Matt married the love of his life, Emily, in April 2018. Together, they enjoy Montana’s four seasons with a full range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and rafting. Matt and Emily also enjoy seeing the world, meeting new people, and plan to raise a family in Great Falls, Montana — the “last best place.”
Publications & Media Mentions
Matt has been asked to speak and presented on various legal issues, including workers’ compensation, unsafe workplace, and personal injury by various state and national organizations including the Montana Trial Lawyers’ Association, the Workers Injury and Law Advocacy Group, and the Cascade County Bar Association.
He also has numerous published articles, including the following:
- Murphy, M., & Tadlock, C. (2023). Social Security Offsets in Workers’ Compensation, Trial Trends. Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Fall 2023
- Duckworth, K., & Murphy, M. (2021). Class 1 Impairment Benefits After Hensley, Trial Trends. Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Summer 2021
- Murphy, M., & Murphy, T. (2020). Automated Vehicles and the Future of Auto Torts, Trial Trends. Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Autumn 2020
- Murphy, M., Murphy, Tom, & Murphy, Tommy. (2017). New Tools in the Fight Against Unconstitutional Defense Medical Examinations, Trial Trends. Montana Trial Lawyers Association, Summer 2017
- Attorney Matt Murphy’s Interview With Montana’s New Workers’ Compensation Court Judge, Lee Bruner
- Matt Murphy Presents at MTLA Convention on Workers’ Comp Basics
- Matt Murphy Honored with MTLA’s Outstanding New Lawyer Award
- Enjuris Interview: Get to Know Montana Personal Injury Lawyer Matt Murphy,” Enjuris
- “Understanding Montana Car Seat Laws — Plus Guidelines for Child Safety,” Enjuris
- “5 Ways to Prepare for Your Personal Injury Lawsuit,” Enjuris
- “Lane Splitting Will Soon Be Legal for Motorcyclists in Montana,” Enjuris
“Matt Murphy went above and beyond for me during my case. Both him and his staff were friendly and helpful with all questions I have had. All my legal inquiries since have went too Matt and any I have in the future will too.”
Murphy Law Firm attorney Matt Murphy was recently recognized by the Montana Trial Lawyers’ Association at its 2018-2019 annual convention. Matt Murphy was honored with the MTLA’s Outstanding New Lawyer Award. Congratulations to Matt, and to all of the other MTLA award recipients!
Trial Lawyer Prep Podcast
Matt Murphy & Managing Client Expectations
Communication is the heartbeat of every relationship, and the bond between lawyer and client is no different. Listen in as we discuss the challenges and strategies of managing client expectations in the legal field with Matt Murphy from Montana. Specializing in workers’ compensation cases, Matt shares his invaluable experience and emphasizes the importance of being upfront and honest with clients, even when the news isn’t the most favorable.
We also tackle the complexities of managing expectations in personal injury cases and the pivotal role trust plays in the lawyer-client relationship.
We highlight the importance of keeping clients in the loop and seeking their feedback, no matter how uncomfortable it might be. Listen to how changes in judges or legal rulings can alter a case’s trajectory and the need to involve clients in the decision-making process. Get insights on the importance of transparency and the art of delivering difficult news. Matt shares practical tips on effectively communicating with clients and setting realistic expectations.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the legal field looking to enhance their client communication skills and build stronger relationships. Learn about the importance of open communication, managing expectations, and maintaining a strong client-lawyer relationship.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of building client relationships
- Importance of communication and trust
- Challenges with accepting medical treatment choices
- Importance of documentation and contact information
