Michael P. Murphy

Michael P. Murphy is an experienced litigator who focuses on helping clients with environmental issues, both before and after a lawsuit is filed.

He often initially assists clients in their interactions with regulators (such as Illinois EPA) before a suit is filed to try to avoid formal litigation and achieve compliance. If the Attorney General’s Office pursues enforcement, he efficiently and effectively handles the court proceedings by focusing on practical solutions that satisfy regulators and lead to a resolution.

In an environmental emergency, Mr. Murphy helps clients navigate regulatory and enforcement demands. This includes defending clients in proceedings where the Attorney General is seeking immediate relief under Section 43 of the Illinois Environmental Protection Act.

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When enforcement is not yet an issue, Mr. Murphy assists clients with environmental compliance questions involving federal and state environmental statutes and regulations, permitting, rule-making, and regulatory relief.

In addition to environmental law, he’s defended a variety of cases, including those involving premises liability, automobile accidents, school bus accidents, construction injuries, contract disputes, insurance coverage, wrongful death, products liability, and property damage.

Mr. Murphy has worked for HeplerBroom his entire legal career. For the first five years, he worked in the firm’s Edwardsville office, handling cases in Madison, St. Clair, and other counties throughout Southern Illinois. In 2009, he joined the firm’s Springfield office and now represents clients in state and federal courts across Illinois, including at the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

When necessary, he takes cases to trial. He also handles appeals. He’s argued cases in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and in three of the five Illinois’ appellate districts. In addition, he’s prepared briefs for appeals in Illinois appellate courts and the Supreme Court of Illinois that resulted in favorable decisions for the firm’s clients.

In addition to being active in legal organizations, Mr. Murphy volunteers in his local community. He’s currently President of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce and attends many events to promote local businesses. He also coaches local basketball, baseball, and softball teams, including those in which his four children participate.

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Education

• Southern Illinois University School of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 2004
• Western Illinois University, B.A. in Communication, magna cum laude, 2001

LAW SCHOOL HONORS/INVOLVEMENT

• Valedictorian
• Award for Academic Excellence
• Southern Illinois University Law Journal
• Judicial Clerkship Extern, United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Honorable Michael M. Mihm

Admissions & Affiliations

• Illinois
• Missouri
• United States Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit
• United States District Courts for the
  • Central District of Illinois
  • Northern District of Illinois
  • Southern District of Illinois

Honors & Awards

• Illinois Leading Lawyers, Emerging Lawyer (2015-2022)
• Illinois Super Lawyers (2021-2024)
  • Rising Star (2011-2019)
• Named one of 2015 “40 Business Leaders Under Forty” by the Springfield Business Journal.

News

Events & Speaking Engagements

• “Environmental Hot Topics,” Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association webinar (2021).
• “Environmental Violations and Enforcement,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education webinar (2021). (Co-presenter)
• “Latest Developments on Environmental Justice,” Chemical Industry Council of Illinois’ January Enforcement Seminar (virtual) (2021). (Co-presenter)
• “Environmental Enforcement: Avoid if Possible, Navigate if Necessary,” Environmental Basics Conference sponsored by the Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Springfield IL, 2019). (Co-presenter)
• “Illinois’ Time-Limited Water Quality Standards,” HalfMoon Education Inc., Illinois Water Laws and Regulations Seminar (Naperville IL, 2019).

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• “The Long Lost Public Notice Requirement: Illinois’ Settlements Entail NPDES Permit Enforcement Actions,” Illinois State Bar Association’s 18^th Annual Environmental Law Conference (Chicago, 2019).
• “Public Notice for NPDES Settlements in Illinois,” Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group, Water Basics seminar (Springfield IL, 2017).
• “Proving and Disproving Damages in Personal Injury Cases: Impaired Earning Capacity (from the defense perspective),” Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education seminar (January 31, 2014).

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Blog Posts

Publications

• “U.S. Supreme Court Limits USEPA Authority in West Virginia v. EPA,” Environmental Law: The Newsletter of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Section on Environmental Law, Vol. 53 No. 1 (October 2022). (Co-author)
• “What Do Recent Environmental Enforcement Decisions Mean for Your Company?” The Illinois Manufacturer (Fourth Quarter 2019). (Co-author)
• “Illinois Courts Should Reject Medical Monitoring Claims for Uninjured Plaintiffs,” IDC Quarterly (March 2014).
• “Let the Broker Beware: Illinois Appellate Court Affirms $23.8 Million Verdict Against Freight Broker,” In Transit (Defense Research Institute Trucking Law Committee’s newsletter) (August 2011). (Co-author)
• “Juror Questions During Trial: An Idea Whose Time Has Come Again,” Illinois Bar Journal, June 2011. (Co-author)
• “The Interplay of Spoliation of Evidence and Subsequent Remedial Measures,” Trials and Tribulations (Defense Research Institute Trial Tactics Committee’s newsletter) (Winter 2009).

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• “Doing Federal Time,” The Whisper (Defense Research Institute Young Lawyers Committee’s newsletter) (January 2009).
• “Settling Defendants Will Not Appear on Illinois Verdict Forms,” In Transit (Defense Research Institute Trucking Law Committee’s newsletter) (January 2009). (Co-author)
• “Spoliation of Evidence and Subsequent Remedial Measures,” The Whisper (Defense Research Institute Young Lawyers Committee’s newsletter) (December 2007).

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