Brian M. Murphy
Biography
Brian M. Murphy is a Partner in our office in Paramus, New Jersey, and he has defended clients in insurance litigation and other liability claims for over four decades.
He has tried countless cases to verdict in New Jersey and New York as well as in federal courts, and he serves a strategic business partner who helps each client achieve their business goals while protecting their interests.
Brian specializes in defending first- and third-party claims in premises liability matters, construction accidents, construction defects, hospitality and property damage disputes, and automobile and truck accident litigation. He also handles commercial disputes, contracts, insurance coverage, and subrogation matters.
Before joining Hall Booth Smith in 2021, Brian was a Partner in a New Jersey firm that he co-owned, and he previously owned his own boutique firm that specialized in insurance, liability and other civil defense litigation.
Earlier in his career, he worked at several law firms in New Jersey and New York where he concentrated his practice on insurance defense, commercial property damage, personal injury, and other civil litigation.
Brian earned a Juris Doctor from Fordham Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Trenton State College, which is now called The College of New Jersey.
Experience
Brian is a highly experienced litigator who has defended insurers, insureds, and individuals in a wide range of insurance, liability, and other civil matters for over 40 years. He has tried numerous cases to verdict all over New York and New Jersey and works alongside clients as a business partner and advisor who makes sure litigation strategy is aligned with business goals.
Construction litigation is especially complex, with numerous parties and insurers being involved. Brian represents developers, builders, subcontractors, transportation providers, insurance carriers, and others involved in construction defect, construction accident, and other related matters.
Brian has four decades of experience in defending clients in a wide range of insurance coverage matters and insurance litigation, including first- and third-party claims concerning premises liability, hospitality and property damage, construction defects, construction accidents, and other civil disputes.
Brian has protected the rights of clients in numerous premises liability and hospitality claims cases over a career spanning over 40 years, including injury claims, property loss, theft, accidents, and other matters. Brian has four decades of experience in defending clients in a wide range of insurance coverage matters and insurance litigation, including first- and third-party claims concerning premises liability, hospitality and property damage, construction defects, construction accidents, and other civil disputes.
Brian defends insurers and insureds in automobile and trucking accident litigation and has handled numerous cases to verdict in New Jersey and New York.
Credentials
Admitted
State Courts:
- New Jersey
- New York
U.S. District Courts:
- U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Education
- J.D., Fordham University
- B.A., The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State College)
Memberships
- Bergen County Bar Association
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
- Defense Research Institute (DRI)
- New Jersey Defense Association
- New Jersey State Bar Association
- The Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick in the City of New York; President, 2008-2009
Recognition
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Best Lawyers®, 2025
- Awarded in: Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
- New Jersey Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers®; 2019-2021
- Nominee, Council of Litigation Management Alliance, 2010-Present
Presentations
Brian is frequently invited to speak to insurance companies and in-house legal teams about litigation defense strategies, best practices, and litigation avoidance. A selection of those topics is listed below.
- Updates on Bodily Injury & Personal Injury and Trial Tactics
North America Insurance Claims’ Continuing Education Series; January 11, 2024