Although he was born, raised, and went to law school in South Dakota, he is recognized as one of the nation’s preeminent trial lawyers, having represented clients and tried many cases across the country. He is an innovator in the development of trial practice, and is nationally known for using storytelling, case thematic techniques, and focus groups in the preparation and trial of cases. Murray not only personally tries cases, but other trial lawyers from around the country hire him to conduct focus groups and consult on their cases. Murray is the founder of the Harvard Ultimate College of Trial Advocacy, sponsored by the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (now the American Association for Justice). Murray was named Best of the Bar by the Denver Business Journal and has been selected as a Colorado Super Lawyer® by the magazine 5280 each year since the beginning of the award in 2006. Murray has served as President of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. But honors and awards don’t measure what Murray brings to the table. He is a communicator without peer. Whether the audience is a jury, judge, mediator or business leaders, he finds the bond and connects. Honest, direct and persuasive.
Murray’s trial skills have been tested in state and federal courts throughout the country, and on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants. The range of his advocacy extends from personal injury and commercial litigation to insurance bad faith. A sample of Murray’s many cases:
- Nucor Steel v. Nebraska Public Power District – When a client steel company discovered utility overcharges, Murray successfully represented the aggrieved company, recovering $12.5 million after a six-week jury trial in the Nebraska Federal District Court.
- Prudential Insurance Company v. Thompson, et al. – When general counsel for a radio manufacturing company was sued personally for securities fraud by the company’s lender for allegedly failing to disclose material information, Murray tried the case in the Nebraska Federal District Court. He succeeded in defeating the claim, and warding off millions of dollars in alleged damages.
- McKinley Medical, LLC v. DJO, LLC, et al. – When the insurer behaved unreasonably towards its insured, a medical device manufacturer, who was faced with mass tort products liability lawsuits, Murray sued the insurer for bad faith and obtained a significant settlement for his client.
- Personal Counsel to Trucking Companies, Various Lawsuits – Murray has represented several trucking companies as personal counsel for exposure in excess of insurance coverage and punitive damages. He has not only assisted with the defense of such suits, but has successfully negotiated settlements for his clients within policy limits.
- Repsher v. Airbus and Air Methods – Represented severely burned flight nurse involved in a helicopter crash. Settlement for $100 million dollars.
In addition to trying cases, Murray frequently consults with other lawyers and companies about litigation. Through Mojo Consulting, Murray conducts focus groups for his clients at all stages of litigation, from pre-trial discovery, to testing theories of liability and damages and prior to trial.
Murray practices in South Dakota, Nebraska, and Colorado. Locally, he is a stalwart of the legal community, having served as President of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. Nationally, he has served in various capacities in the Americal Association for Justice, including on its Board and Executive Committee and as Chair of the National College of Advocacy; he is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and a Fellow of the International Society of Barristers.
Murray is married, has three grown children (one of whom is his law partner), nine grandchildren, and a twelve-pound mutt, who has total authority in the household.
