Overview

A partner in the firm, Edward Murphy concentrates his practice primarily on first- and third-party property insurance coverage and litigation. Edward also occasionally defends matters involving catastrophic injuries.

In his insurance practice, Edward has worked on a number of insurance matters involving diverse issues ranging from construction related practices and defects, geotechnical issues, mold and earthquakes. Edward has trial experience as well as extensive experience in mediations and in writing and arguing dispositive motions, such as motions for summary judgment.

Prior to joining the firm, Edward worked in the areas of professional malpractice defense, public entity law and real property transactions and litigation. Before becoming an attorney, Edward worked for several years as an engineer responsible for power plant design, quality assurance and testing.

Professional Leadership

Edward was a member of the East Bay Claims Association.

Honors & Recognition

Edward has been named to the Northern California Super Lawyer list every year since 2018. This honor is based on nomination, evaluation of professional achievements, and selection by a panel of attorneys in the applicable practice area. Only 5% of the total attorneys in each state receive the Super Lawyers distinction.

More information on awards and rankings can be found here.

Education

Edward earned his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1982 and his J.D. degree from Golden Gate University School of Law in 1995, with highest honors and a specialization certificate in Environmental Law.

Edward attended law school at night while working as a quality assurance engineer for the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. During law school, he was a member of the Law Review and had an article published discussing issues related to environmental law. He also provided input on a chapter on the Clean Air Act for a citizen’s guideline being prepared by the law school.

Edward was on the Dean’s List and received American Jurisprudence Awards in Constitutional Law, Civil Procedure, and Wills & Trust.

Admissions

Edward is authorized to practice law in California and in the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central and Southern Districts of California and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Publications & Presentations

• “Severe Weather Events Create Insurance Dilemmas,” Law360, January 2018
• “4 Critical Factors in NY Fire Insurance Appraisal Provisions,” Law360, March 2019

Cited Cases

• James Dobbas, et al. v. Fred Vitas, et al. (2011) 191 Cal.App.4th 809