James Michael Anthony Murphy, Family Law Attorney in Los Angeles, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law and Trusts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratDentons US LLP
Los Angeles, CA
Practicing family law in Los Angeles since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Michael Anthony Murphy is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law and Trusts. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dentons US LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Los Angeles, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Family Law · Trusts
- Handles Family Law and Trusts matters from Los Angeles, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Michael Anthony Murphy: James Michael Anthony Murphy is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law and Trusts. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dentons US LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Los Angeles
James concentrates on family law and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law cases in Los Angeles, California
James takes family law matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Los Angeles, California
James takes trusts matters in Los Angeles, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James Michael Anthony Murphy, family law attorney serving Los Angeles
James Michael Anthony Murphy is a partner based in Los Angeles, CA. The practice focuses on Family Law and Trusts. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dentons US LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Los Angeles, California and takes on family law matters across the region.
James Michael Anthony Murphy is a lawyer practicing family wealth & exempt organizations, trusts & estates. James Michael Anthony received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. James Michael Anthony practices at Dentons US LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Working with James on a family law matter
James Michael Anthony Murphy is a lawyer practicing family wealth & exempt organizations, trusts & estates. James Michael Anthony received a A.B. degree from Harvard University in 1968, and has been licensed for 51 years. James Michael Anthony practices at Dentons US LLP in Los Angeles, CA.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law and trusts matters in Los Angeles and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Harvard Law School
J.D. · 1973
Harvard University
A.B. · 1968
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
California
1978 · ACTIVE
New York
1975 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and A.B. in Harvard University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and A.B. in Harvard University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
Locations
James Michael Anthony Murphy's office in Los Angeles
James's primary office is at 601 South Figueroa Street, Suite 2500, Los Angeles, CA, 90017-5704. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dentons US LLP
601 South Figueroa Street, Suite 2500
Los Angeles, CA 90017-5704
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Michael Anthony Murphy — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing family law attorneys in Los Angeles.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Michael Anthony Murphy claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Michael Anthony Murphy — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Los Angeles, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Michael Anthony Murphy
How much does it cost to hire James for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in California typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Los Angeles?
James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new family law clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in California
James handles family law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Los Angeles handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.




