LITIGATION
&
COASTAL LAW
BUILT FOR THE CHESAPEAKE
ABOUT MY PRACTICE
I have a limited practice focused on the unique needs of individuals and businesses in the Chesapeake Bay region of Virginia.
Located in the historic port town of Urbanna, my office looks out over a harbor of clients, each with different needs but each united by the beauty and demands of living and working by the water.
While I remain focused on general civil litigation, my cases frequently involve riparian disputes, maritime claims, and water oriented real estate problems. I also have an active trust and estate litigation practice
Based upon years of experience representing clients on the waterfront, my business and risk management practices have been built to serve the needs of marinas, boatyards and marine vendors.
I am currently accepting new marine related representations throughtout Eastern Virginia. If your water-related business is south of the Potomac River and north of the Dismal Swamp, I can help.
WHAT MAKES MY PRACTICE UNIQUE
In two words: Experience and Insight.
I was born and raised around the Chesapeake Bay. I've sailed its waters and known dozens of its unique characters. My Dad's family built work boats and operated the last commerical fishing operation on the Potomac. My own woodworking tool cabinet contains slicks and caulking irons.
For decades I also have represented waterfront clients whose cases require not just an understanding of legal issues, but insight into the unique demands of living and working around the water. From riparian protection to apportionment of tidal bottom, to maritime liens, I undersand the problems.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MY EDUCATION
AND EXPERIENCE.
WHY I CAN HELP YOU
Clear Communication
I am a published author and an experienced appellate lawyer. In addition to providing you with strong written advocacy, I pride myself on explaining legal concepts to clients in simple, easy to understand language.
In my non-litigation practice, I can help you reduce risk and satisfy customers with plain language business documents.
Perhaps most importantly, I have always believed that clear writing means clear thinking. It constantly amazes me how frequently drafting and exchanging client documents reveals problems that a client never knew existed.
Learn more about my qualifications and writing.
Proven Trial Record
I have more than 40 years of litigation experience in courts throughout the United States.
Over 175 jury cases tried to verdict and nearly1,000 bench trials and administrative hearings.
My successful trial record has involved many complex claims and marine related matters.
I am familiar with local courts, regularly appearing in trial courts throughout the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck. Over the years, I have handled cases in half of Virginia's counties and most court localities east of I-95.
Learn more about my trial experience by clicking below.
Client Focus
I am primarily a trial lawyer, committed to the idea that logic and the rule of law change lives.
My court cases are never over though until the client and I have had a frank conversation about how litigation could have been avoided. Those conversations have generated a surprising variety of continuing business representations.
Aside from my many maritime clients, I am honored to represent a variety of real estate developers, builders and design professionals.
I am also one of the few attorneys in the area with significant experience representing homeowner's association.
Learn more by following the link below.
SERVING ALL OF COASTAL VIRGINIA
CONTACT ME
Please feel free to email me with questions about new representations. Note that initial email inquires are not privileged, so please do not reveal confidential details until we discuss you questions by phone or in person.
Existing clients should email me at stan@murphylawplc.com