Stephen James Murphy

Stephen James Murphy, Car Accidents Attorney in New York

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and General · 4.2/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Practicing car accidents in New York since 1998.

28+
Years practicing
4.2 ★
1 client review
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

Stephen James Murphy is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and General. Stephen has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
New York, NY
Experience
over 28 years
Known for
Car Accidents · Criminal Defense · General
  • Handles Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and General matters from New York, NY.
  • Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

About Stephen James Murphy: Stephen James Murphy is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and General. Stephen has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Stephen's practice areas in New York

Stephen concentrates on car accidents, criminal defense, general, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in New York

Stephen takes car accidents matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in New York

Stephen takes criminal defense matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

General cases in New York

Stephen takes general matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in New York

Stephen takes litigation matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Personal Injury cases in New York

Stephen takes personal injury matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.

Biography

Stephen James Murphy, car accidents attorney serving New York

Stephen James Murphy is a partner based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and General. Stephen has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP. Rated 4.2 out of 5 from 1 client review. Stephen works from New York and takes on car accidents matters across the region.

With nearly three decades of experience in trial law, Stephen J. Murphy sets himself apart with his extensive courtroom skills and tireless dedication to his clients. Having developed a reputation as a tough-but-fair attorney, Mr. Murphy represents clients in a wide array of cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, workplace injuries, and premises liability accidents.

Mr. Murphy began his career as a criminal prosecutor in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office, handling violent crimes including double and triple murders, arson homicides, and gang murders. He joined Block O’Toole & Murphy in 2005, and since then, he has obtained more than $500,000,000 in results for clients, with a yearly average of over $45,000,000 in settlements.

Early in his civil career, Mr. Murphy obtained a record-breaking $32,756,156 jury verdict in a Suffolk County case on behalf of a man who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a pedestrian accident. This verdict is the largest negligence verdict ever in Long Island, and it was recognized by the New York Law Journal as 2007’s second-highest negligence verdict in New York State. More recently, in 2021, VerdictSearch recognized Mr. Murphy for his role as lead attorney in obtaining the top three construction accident results in New York State.

Mr. Murphy’s other top results include:

  • $15,500,000 settlement for an injured client in a pedestrian knockdown case
  • $9,950,000 settlement in a Buffalo case for a young social worker who sustained an above-the-knee amputation.
  • $9,500,000 settlement for a Brooklyn man who lost his foot and suffered spine injuries after being struck by an MTA bus in Brooklyn.
  • $9,500,000 settlement for a painter who fell from a ladder while working in Westchester County.
  • $8,800,000 settlement for a 53-year-old woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a vehicle while walking on the sidewalk in Queens.

Mr. Murphy's extensive expertise has led him to be recognized by Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers®, The National Trial Lawyer, the Irish Legal 100, and more. In 2023, Forbes Magazine named him one of New York’s Best Personal Injury Lawyers; in 2022, he was named the New York City Lawyer of the Year in Personal Injury – Plaintiffs by Best Lawyers®.

Mr. Murphy currently chairs Block O’Toole & Murphy’s fundraising committee for the firm’s annual New York City Wine Tasting event, which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His work on the committee has been instrumental in raising over $10,000,000 to date for St. Jude. In 2019, he was named the St. Jude Chairperson of the Year for his dedication.

Working with Stephen on a car accidents matter

With nearly three decades of experience in trial law, Stephen J. Murphy sets himself apart with his extensive courtroom skills and tireless dedication to his clients. Having developed a reputation as a tough-but-fair attorney, Mr. Murphy represents clients in a wide array of cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, workplace injuries, and premises liability…

Who Stephen represents

Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, criminal defense, and general matters across New York.

Credentials

Credentials — where Stephen studied and practices

  • St. John's University School of Law

    J.D. · 1997

  • Johns Hopkins University

    B.A. · 1993

Jurisdictions

Stephen's state bar admissions

  • New York New Jersey

    1998 · ACTIVE

Stephen studied at J.D. in St. John's University School of Law and B.A. in Johns Hopkins University.

Law school and academic background

Stephen completed J.D. in St. John's University School of Law and B.A. in Johns Hopkins University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Stephen's legal honors and published work

Stephen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Locations

Stephen James Murphy's office in New York

Stephen's primary office is at 1 Penn Plaza, Suite 4850, New York, NY, 10119. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP

1 Penn Plaza, Suite 4850

New York, NY 10119

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Stephen James Murphy — 4.2/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Stephen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing car accidents attorneys in New York.

4.2

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Stephen James Murphy claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Stephen James Murphy — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen'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; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a car accidents attorney in New York

A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents 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 Stephen

Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in car accidents practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents 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. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Stephen James Murphy

  • How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a car accidents case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Stephen offer a free consultation?

    Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.

  • How long do car accidents cases in New York typically take?

    Simple car accidents 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. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside New York?

    Stephen is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen 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 Stephen?

    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. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Stephen accepting new car accidents clients right now?

    Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Car Accidents attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York

Stephen handles car accidents matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these car accidents attorneys in New York handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.