For the past 20 years, Murphy has served as the principal advisor to the USMC on issues encompassing international relations, community outreach, major weapons systems acquisitions, complex investigations affecting national and Marine Corps interests, commercial legal issues (including base closures and legal aspects of homeland security), and environmental litigation and legislation. Murphy served as senior legal advisor to the Marine Corps, and also advised on all corporate matters as a member of the Commandant’s executive board. In addition, he is a member of the Defense Department’s senior legal leadership group with the Departmental General Counsels and has been the Marine’s senior ethics advisor during his entire tenure. Prior to his appointment to the Marine Corps, Murphy served in a number of positions within the Navy Office of General Counsel, including assistant general counsel (Intelligence), deputy counsel for the Naval Supply Systems Command and chief attorney for the Saudi Navy Expansion Program. He was awarded the Presidential Rank Award of Distinguished Executive in 2004 as well as in 1996, and the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Award in 1992 and 2000. In 1997, the Secretary of Defense presented him with the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest honor awarded by the Secretary to a career employee. Murphy is admitted to practice in New York and the District of Columbia. He earned his bachelor’s degree magna cum laude from Long Island University in 1972, and received his J.D. from St. John’s Law School in 1974.