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Stephen J. Murphy joined Block O’Toole & Murphy after a successful career as a homicide prosecutor for the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office. Best known for his work in the courtroom, Mr. Murphy handles a wide variety of personal injury cases, but his main focus is serious construction accidents and catastrophic personal injury cases.

As a partner at the New York City law firm since 2008, Mr. Murphy has already amassed extremely impressive results, regularly returning verdicts and settlements over a million dollars. In his 16 years of civil practice, he has garnered over $400,000,000 in results for clients. Since 2013, he has averaged well over $40,000,000 in settlements every year. In 2021, he was the lead attorney on the top three construction accident settlements in the entire Northeast, as reported in VerdictSearch’s 2021 Top Verdicts and Settlements report.

Prior to his career at BOM, Mr. Murphy was appointed by the District Attorney to the Homicide Bureau, making him the youngest attorney there at the time. He earned a reputation as a tough but fair prosecutor, successfully handling several high-profile murder cases, including double and triple murders, arson homicides, and child murders. In addition to his trial work, Mr. Murphy served as an Adjunct Professor of Law with St. John's School of Law for nine years. Under their trial advocacy program, his students won national championships in trial competitions five of the nine years he was involved.

Described as one of the "Top Attorneys in New York” by The New York Times, Mr. Murphy has earned multiple accolades from both his peers and opponents. He is recognized by various notable legal organizations including Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, National Trial Lawyers, Irish Legal 100, and Brehon Law Society. He has also appeared as a guest host and commentator on civil and criminal cases for many local and national media outlets, including Court TV, Fox Radio, The New York Post, New York Daily News, and Newsday. In addition, Mr. Murphy has been published in The New York Law Journal for a series of columns that he co-authored with colleague David Scher regarding construction accident law.

Outside of the office, Mr. Murphy volunteers his time for various charities and fundraisers. One that is very dear to his heart is St. Jude Children’s Hospital, where he serves as an active member of the fundraising team, raising over $5,000,000 for the organization. For over ten years, Mr. Murphy, along with the other partners at Block O’Toole & Murphy, has hosted an annual Autumn Wine Tasting in support of St. Jude, bringing together local restaurants and vendors to help raise funds for the research of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 1 Penn Plaza, Suite 5315
    New York, NY 10119
Languages
  • English
Education
  • St. John's University, J.D., graduated 1998
Bar Admissions
  • New York, New York State Bar Association
Affiliations
  • Brooklyn Manhattan Trial Lawyers Association - President 2012, Present Member
  • Labor Law Committee, The New York State Trial Lawyers Association - Member
  • New York County Democratic Judicial Screening Panel - Panelist
  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Chairperson, Annual Autumn Winetasting
  • The Brehon Society - Member
  • The New York State Trial Lawyer's Association - Member of the Board of Directors

Block O'Toole & Murphy
Headquarters: New York, New York

5 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

1 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America award

Best Law Firms Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs, New York City (2022)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs
Special Focus:
  • Construction
  • Tractor-Trailer Collision
Awards:
  • Frances Pope Memorial Foundation, 2010 Man of the Year
  • "Best Lawyers in America' List, 2014
  • Super Lawyer, New York Metro Area, 2011-2013
  • Irish Legal 100, 2013
  • National Trial Lawyer, Top 100 Trial Lawyers List, 2011-2014
  • Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
  • Brooklyn to Alaska Project, 2017 Man of the Year
  • St. John's University School of Law PTAI 2014 'Alumni Excellence' Award
  • Brehon Law Society, 2015 Honoree
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Medical Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation
  • Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants

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Giving 100% for Injury Victims


by Margaret Pierce

Block O’Toole & Murphy, LLP is passionate, well-prepared, and committed to helping their clients.

Block O'Toole & Murphy

Results Matter


by Sean Stonefield

With a history of record recoveries, Block O’Toole & Murphy continues to achieve some of New York’s largest personal injury verdicts and settlements.

Block O’Toole & Murphy

Teamwork and Strategy


by Justin Smulison

In 2018, Block O'Toole & Murphy continued to secure multimillion-dollar results for injured victims and workers.

Block O'Toole & Murphy Gets Results

Talent Meets Teamwork


by John Fields

A combination of skill and collaboration has led to enduring success at personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy.

new-york-firms-personal-injury-success

2022: Another Banner Year


by John Fields

Block O’Toole & Murphy continues to secure some of New York’s highest results for personal injury matters.

Three men in business suits standing in office

Building a Safer Culture


by Stephen J. Murphy

More construction workers die on the job in the U.S. than in any other occupation, yet rules and regulations are often honored more in the breach than the observance. Here’s an overview—and a blueprint for change.

Construction worker on high rise building above city

Shine with Wine: One Firm’s Heroic Efforts to Combat Pediatric Cancer


by Best Lawyers

Block O’Toole & Murphy’s annual event has raised millions—and counting—for the world’s premier pediatric cancer treatment facility. Their commitment to the cure is unmatched, and each year boasts more success than ever before.

Two candles on table in front of framed child's artwork and large screen at event

Raising the Bar


by John Fields

New York City-based powerhouse Block O’Toole & Murphy continues to set new benchmarks for personal injury cases, with the firm achieving landmark victories.

Five lawyers sit and stand posing for a photo

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