Richard B. Murphy Joins Dorsey & Whitney LLP as Partner in Phoenix
Dorsey & Whitney LLP, a leading law firm with a national presence, has announced that attorney Richard B. Murphy has joined the firm as a Partner in its Construction & Design group based in Phoenix. This appointment marks a significant expansion of Dorsey’s construction law capabilities in Arizona, as Murphy becomes the first attorney in the firm’s Phoenix office dedicated to this practice area.
Since opening in 2022, Dorsey’s Phoenix office has grown rapidly, now comprising 56 lawyers serving clients across multiple industries. Murphy’s addition strengthens the firm’s ability to handle complex construction and real estate matters while providing clients with local expertise and established industry connections.
Strengthening Dorsey’s Phoenix Construction Practice
Scott Jenkins, head of Dorsey’s Phoenix office, emphasized the importance of Murphy’s arrival, stating, “Rich’s arrival significantly deepens our construction capabilities in Phoenix. He is recognized as one of the best construction lawyers in town, with an excellent reputation and relationships in the local community. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Murphy’s extensive experience allows Dorsey to offer clients a more comprehensive suite of construction law services in Arizona, ranging from litigation and arbitration to transactional and advisory work. His appointment reflects the firm’s strategic focus on bolstering its presence in key markets and ensuring clients have access to top-tier expertise locally.
Decades of Construction Law Expertise
Rich Murphy brings more than 30 years of experience representing nearly every participant in the construction industry. His clients have included owners, developers, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers. Over his career, Murphy has advised on projects valued in the billions of dollars, giving him a deep understanding of both the legal and practical challenges faced by construction professionals.
Murphy’s practice spans the full spectrum of construction law. He handles claims under the Arizona Prompt Payment Act, mechanic’s lien foreclosures, payment bond disputes, construction defect litigation, delay and impact claims, contract interpretation issues, and licensing matters before the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. This breadth of expertise enables him to assist clients in navigating complex regulatory frameworks while protecting their financial and operational interests.
Litigation, Arbitration, and Mediation
Beyond traditional litigation, Murphy is highly regarded as an arbitrator and mediator. His ability to guide parties toward cost-effective, efficient dispute resolution has earned him recognition across the Arizona construction community. By offering alternatives to lengthy court proceedings, he helps clients minimize disruptions to projects while achieving fair and practical outcomes.
This dual approach—balancing litigation with alternative dispute resolution—reflects Murphy’s broader philosophy of serving clients’ interests strategically. His insight into risk management, project timelines, and contractual obligations allows him to anticipate and address potential conflicts before they escalate.
Transactional and Contract Expertise
In addition to his dispute resolution work, Murphy has extensive experience on the transactional side of construction and real estate development. He drafts and negotiates a wide array of agreements, including construction contracts, subcontracts, development agreements, CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions), condominium declarations, ground leases, and related real estate instruments.
This transactional experience complements his litigation work, giving clients comprehensive legal support throughout the lifecycle of a project—from initial planning and contract negotiation to completion and post-construction issues. By integrating transactional and dispute resolution expertise, Murphy is uniquely positioned to provide guidance that protects clients’ interests at every stage of development.
Career Background and Education
Prior to joining Dorsey, Murphy was a partner at Murphy Cordier Casale Axel PLC, where he built a respected practice in construction law over many years. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln College of Law, and his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arizona.
His deep ties to Arizona and extensive experience in local construction law make him a valuable addition to Dorsey’s Phoenix office, enhancing the firm’s ability to serve both regional and national clients with projects in the Southwest.
Murphy’s Perspective on Joining Dorsey
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Murphy said, “I’m excited to join Dorsey’s growing Phoenix office and nationally recognized Construction practice. My work aligns well with Dorsey’s strong real estate and development practice, and I look forward to contributing my experience to support our clients’ most important transactions.”
Murphy’s integration into the firm signals Dorsey’s continued commitment to providing clients with comprehensive, high-quality legal services in the construction and real estate sectors. His experience across litigation, arbitration, and transactional matters will enable Dorsey to handle increasingly complex projects for its clients while strengthening relationships with developers, contractors, and other industry stakeholders in Arizona.
Enhancing Dorsey’s Construction Capabilities
With Murphy on board, Dorsey & Whitney is poised to expand its construction law offerings in Phoenix and across the United States. His appointment reflects the firm’s strategy of combining local expertise with national resources, ensuring that clients benefit from both in-depth knowledge of regional construction practices and the full breadth of Dorsey’s multidisciplinary capabilities.
As Arizona’s construction market continues to grow, particularly in commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments, Murphy’s presence strengthens Dorsey’s ability to serve as a trusted advisor to developers, contractors, and other construction professionals navigating increasingly complex regulatory, contractual, and operational landscapes.
A Strategic Addition to a Growing Office
Dorsey’s Phoenix office has quickly become a hub for multidisciplinary legal services, attracting talent across key practice areas. The addition of Richard B. Murphy to the Construction & Design group further positions the office as a leader in construction law, capable of providing both strategic counsel and practical solutions to a wide array of clients.
By combining decades of experience, a strong local reputation, and expertise across transactional and litigation matters, Murphy is set to make an immediate and lasting impact on Dorsey’s clients and the broader construction community in Phoenix.
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