![](/a/web/8LiSUMnS893TcAw8cerhjg/8536hg/murphy_michael_1025467.jpg)
Michael Murphy
Partner
Michael is an accomplished litigator and first-chair trial attorney who counsels and represents clients in a broad range of disputes.
Key Matters
Some of the experience represented below may have been handled at a previous firm.
Commercial Litigation
- Successfully defended global pharmaceutical manufacturer in commercial dispute with U.S. distributor
- Represented an industrial air supplier in multiple disputes arising from its customer bulk purchase agreements
- Defended a former light heavyweight boxing champion against a purported advisor in a contractual dispute
- Defended a movie producer in two-week jury trial against claims of breach of contract and business tort brought by a co-investor/lead actor arising from a failed movie venture
- Obtained take-nothing summary judgment on behalf of an international automobile manufacturer in a suit alleging breach of contract, violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act; in subsequent jury trial, obtained full recovery of attorneys’ fees on DTPA counterclaim (first-chair trial attorney)
- Obtained take-nothing judgment in an AAA arbitration on behalf of an international automobile manufacturer arising from allegations of breach of contract and the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (first-chair trial attorney)
- Represented an international automobile manufacturer in two administrative hearings before a State Office of Administrative Hearings; the matters were both settled on terms favorable to the client following cross-examination of claimants (first-chair trial attorney)
Products Liability Litigation
- Served as lead Texas counsel for global valve manufacturer overseeing litigation of hundreds of products liability matters
- Served as lead counsel for global plumbing distributor and retailer in asbestos litigation matters in Texas and New Mexico; obtained full dismissal of all claims
- Represented a leading pharmaceutical company as Texas counsel in diet drug litigation filed by plaintiffs opting out of a related class action
- Defended a leading pharmaceutical company as Texas counsel in hormone replacement therapy litigation
- Represented a global chemical supplier in litigation arising from alleged exposure to benzene and butadiene
- Served as lead Texas counsel for luxury automobile manufacturer in multiple suits brought under Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act
Toxic Tort/Environmental Litigation
- Defended sand mining company in multiple actions involving over 2,000 plaintiffs arising from flood events during Hurricane Harvey
- Defended major pharmaceutical manufacturers in suits stemming from prescription drug use
- Represented oil and gas companies against alleged occupational asbestos exposure in multiple lawsuits pending in Texas MDL
- Defended a Fortune 100 oil and gas company in multiple lawsuits arising from alleged occupational exposure to benzene and related products
- Defended clients in multiple matters pending in Texas MDL involving allegations of harmful exposure to silica
- Defended a midstream oil and gas company against claims arising from alleged exposure to hydrogen sulfide during work-over operations; obtained non-suit of all claims prior to hearing on motion for summary judgment
- Represented a chemical manufacturer in a mass action stemming from leaks from underground storage tanks brought by a gasoline retailer
Energy Litigation
- Advised exploration and production company in connection with various disputes with tribal lessor/regulator
- Successfully defended a mining company in litigation over valuation and ownership of mining interests
- Successfully defended a large midstream company in a class action arising from a crude oil spill in a suit that involved claims of strict liability for ultra-hazardous activity, violations of the Oil Pollution Act, trespass, negligence, negligence per se, public nuisance, continuing private nuisance, and a prayer for permanent injunction
- Obtained a favorable pre-suit settlement for the purchaser of a natural gas storage facility in a dispute arising from misrepresentations made in connection with the acquisition
- Represented an exploration and production company in a dispute arising from loss of well during the course of well completion activities
- Advised a private equity portfolio company in connection with its acquisition of an international exploration and production company and related litigation matters
- Represented upstream and midstream energy clients in disputes involving the Texas Oilfield Anti-Indemnity Act
- Represented a midstream oil and gas company in multiple personal injury disputes arising from a fire and explosion that occurred at a midpoint pump station
Construction Litigation
- Represented an EPC contractor and obtained a favorable pre-suit settlement in mediation in a dispute with project owner over refinery expansion
- Defended an engineering and construction firm as third party in a dispute between a refiner and pipe fabricator arising from refinery expansion
Other Litigation
- Represented a mechanical pump seal manufacturer in a copyright and trade secrets lawsuit stemming from the misappropriation of its mechanical drawings by a competitor in connection with a third-party bid process
- Defended the former chief executive of an offshore seismic company in a lawsuit brought by a former company for alleged mishandling of trade secrets, breach of covenant not to compete, breach of nondisclosure agreement, and breach of fiduciary duty
- Obtained summary judgment, as team member, on behalf of a media conglomerate and its subsidiary in a defamation action brought by a record promoter arising from a nationally televised broadcast and related commercial advertisements
Pro Bono Matters
- Successfully co-led trial team that obtained permanent injunction on behalf of prisoners in geriatric, medical facility prison in connection with COVID-19 pandemic
- Successfully obtained asylum from India for a Muslim asylum-seeker on the grounds of religious persecution (first-chair trial attorney)
- Represented an adult day care center in administrative licensure proceedings, including a two-day administrative hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (first-chair trial attorney)
- Tried more than 15 jury trials to verdict as a volunteer prosecutor for the City of Houston
- Represented multiple pro bono clients in family law disputes referred via the Houston Volunteer Lawyers Program
Michael is very measured and calm, and if a crazy situation comes up, he takes his time and comes up with a thoughtful approach. He is a very strong advocate.
Chambers 2024 Testimonial
He is a talented trial lawyer.
Chambers 2024 Testimonial