Sara Aileen Murphy, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 20 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and IP
Associate, Litigation DepartmentatPaul Hastings LLP
Washington, DC
Practicing criminal defense in Washington since 2006.
- 20+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
Sara Aileen Murphy is an associate, litigation department based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and IP. Sara has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul Hastings LLP.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 20 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · IP
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and IP matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 20 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Sara Aileen Murphy: Sara Aileen Murphy is an associate, litigation department based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and IP. Sara has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul Hastings LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Sara takes on
Sara concentrates on criminal defense, general, ip, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Sara handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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IP
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Litigation
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Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Sara takes criminal defense matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Sara takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Sara takes ip matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Sara takes litigation matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Sara agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Sara Aileen Murphy — criminal defense lawyer in Washington
Sara Aileen Murphy is an associate, litigation department based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and IP. Sara has over 20 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paul Hastings LLP.
Ms. Sara Aileen Murphy is a lawyer practicing foreign corrupt practices act, criminal defense, intellectual property and 1 other area of law. Sara received a B.A. degree from University of Virginia in 2000, and has been licensed for 20 years. Sara practices at Paul Hastings LLP in Washington, DC.
Working with Sara on a criminal defense matter
Ms. Sara Aileen Murphy is a lawyer practicing foreign corrupt practices act, criminal defense, intellectual property and 1 other area of law. Sara received a B.A. degree from University of Virginia in 2000, and has been licensed for 20 years. Sara practices at Paul Hastings LLP in Washington, DC.
Who Sara represents
Sara reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and ip matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Vanderbilt University Law School
J.D. · 2006
University of Virginia
B.A. · 2000
Jurisdictions
Sara's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
2008 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
2006 · ACTIVE
Sara studied at J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Sara completed J.D. in Vanderbilt University Law School and B.A. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Sara runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Sara's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association American Society of International Law
membership
Locations
Sara Aileen Murphy's office in Washington
Sara's primary office is at 875 15th Street, N.W., Washington, DC, 20005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Sara Aileen Murphy
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Sara Aileen Murphy — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Sara usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Sara charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sara'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; Sara will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 Sara
Sara discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. Sara confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Sara's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Sara Aileen Murphy
How much does it cost to hire Sara for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Sara walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Sara offer a free consultation?
Sara charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Sara's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Sara's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. Sara gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Sara take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Sara is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Sara 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 Sara?
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. Sara will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Sara accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Sara's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Sara handles criminal defense matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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