
Joseph Michael Murray, Appellate Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Managing PartneratBerkman, Gordon, Murray & DeVan
Cleveland, OH
Practicing appellate in Cleveland since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Joseph Michael Murray?
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Quick answer
Joseph Michael Murray is a managing partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. Joseph has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berkman, Gordon, Murray & DeVan. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Cleveland, OH
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Civil Rights
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights matters from Cleveland, OH.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joseph Michael Murray: Joseph Michael Murray is a managing partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. Joseph has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berkman, Gordon, Murray & DeVan. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joseph Michael Murray
Joseph concentrates on appellate, business, civil rights, criminal defense, and formation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Formation
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General
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Wrongful Death
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Appellate cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Joseph takes appellate matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Joseph takes business matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Joseph takes civil rights matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Joseph takes criminal defense matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Formation cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Joseph takes formation matters in Cleveland, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joseph Michael Murray — Over 43 years of Ohio appellate experience
Joseph Michael Murray is a managing partner based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Civil Rights. Joseph has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Berkman, Gordon, Murray & DeVan. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Joseph Michael Murray is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, criminal litigation, first amendment law and 9 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1972, and has been licensed for 43 years. Joseph practices at Berkman, Gordon, Murray & DeVan in Cleveland, OH.
How Joseph handles appellate matters
Joseph Michael Murray is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, criminal litigation, first amendment law and 9 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1972, and has been licensed for 43 years. Joseph practices at Berkman, Gordon, Murray & DeVan in Cleveland, OH.
Who Joseph represents
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and civil rights matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Joseph Michael Murray's legal education and bar admissions
Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University
J.D. · 1976
University of Notre Dame
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
Indiana
2008 · ACTIVE
Ohio U.S. Supreme Co
1983 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University and B.A. in University of Notre Dame.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in Cleveland Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University and B.A. in University of Notre Dame. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joseph Michael Murray
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations
Ohio State Bar Association First Amendment Lawyers Association (President, 1997-1998 National Chairman, 1998-1999) The American Association for Justice National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Cuyahoga Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
membership
American College of Trial Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Listed in: The Best Lawyers in America, 1993—
bar_fellowship
Ohio Super Lawyers
bar_fellowship
Leading Lawyers Inside Business
bar_fellowship
Top Lawyers Northern Ohio Live
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Locations
Joseph Michael Murray's office in Cleveland
Joseph's primary office is at 2200 The Illuminating Building, 55 Public Square, Cleveland, OH, 44113-1949. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Berkman, Gordon, Murray & DeVan
2200 The Illuminating Building, 55 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44113-1949
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joseph Michael Murray — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Cleveland.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph Michael Murray claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph Michael Murray — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph'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; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 Joseph
Joseph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joseph Michael Murray
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple appellate 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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Cleveland?
Joseph is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Joseph 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 Joseph?
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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new appellate clients right now?
Joseph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
Joseph handles appellate matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Ohio
If Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





