Our Founder, Bob Murphy

Founding Attorney Continues to Influence Murphy Desmond S.C.

Since 1931, the law firm of Murphy Desmond S.C. has continued to operate with the principles and code of ethics set forth by its founder and beloved leader, the late Robert B. L. Murphy. Legal integrity, efficiently rendered services and commitment to community remain at the core of the firm's existence.

This philosophy of doing business has served the firm well. For the last three years, Murphy Desmond has earned the honor of a "Law Firm of Distinction" by In Business magazine's "Executive Register." The firm consistently receives honors for its attorneys, such as Best Lawyers in America, Wisconsin Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, as well as recognition from Martindale Hubbell-the leading lawyer and law firm rating organization.

"We're pleased with the accolades we have received, and we know we cannot take them for granted," says Tim Valentyn, President and Managing Partner. "We keep working hard, and as a result, we are growing at a pace that fits our vision for the future perfectly."

Part of this growth includes additional attorneys, which necessitated a move in August 2007 from the Manchester Building-where the firm resided for 20 years-to a newly constructed building at 33 East Main Street. The spacious modern office offers comfort, flexible use of space and significant natural lighting for a productive business atmosphere for clients and employees.

Murphy Desmond is growing its practice areas, as well. Attorneys have recently been added to the firm's intellectual property, litigation, employment law and sports law areas. The firm continues to have a strong client base in business law, bankruptcy and creditors/debtors rights, real estate, municipal law, government relations, family law, and estate planning. Murphy Desmond practices primarily in Wisconsin, but has clients throughout the U.S.

"We are proactive in meeting our clients' current needs and evaluating their potential future legal needs," said Valentyn. "It's that forward thinking, coupled with a sense of urgency, that helps set us apart."

Bob Murphy was a visionary and insightful leader of the firm since the beginning. Although he passed away in September 2001 at the age of 95, attorneys at Murphy Desmond still consider it to be Bob Murphy's law firm. Thus, they work to maintain the standards set forth by Murphy, who served as the firm's first law clerk when it opened in 1931 under the name of Kuehl & Crownhart. (When Murphy became a partner in 1932, the name was changed to Crownhart & Murphy. John Desmond joined the firm in 1955, and after several name changes, the firm was called Murphy & Desmond in the mid-1980s and simply Murphy Desmond in 2002.)

In the early days, the firm was also more progressive than most in committing to the needs of the community. Today, the firm's devotion to the community remains strong, and it proudly supports health and human services, the arts, athletics, and other needs in the area. It has been the primary sponsor of Feast with the Beasts and significant donor to Meriter Hospital's Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Murphy Desmond supports numerous organizations such as the American Red Cross, March of Dimes, the National Alliance for Mental Health, Madison Schools Community Recreation, the Urban League of Greater Madison, Centro Hispano, UW Athletics, the Business Forum ATHENA Awards, YWCA, MAGNET, and Downtown Madison, Inc. -- just to name a few.

"We're well-grounded in the Madison community," said Valentyn. "We are out there contributing financially and volunteering our time."

Bob Murphy wouldn't have it any other way.

"Robert Murphy was the epitome of a caring and compassionate gentleman with outstanding integrity and commitment to the morals he taught to others," said paralegal Jane Ring, who has been with the firm for over 40 years.

"The firm is fortunate to have Bob's legacy as our cornerstone," said Valentyn. "His character will continue to influence decisions the firm makes -- as attorneys and as a business."