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DEAN MURPHY

 

Dean Murphy has over thirty years of experience in the legal profession. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude; and from the University of South Carolina Law School in 1980.

 

Dean has been a member of the South Carolina Bar since 1980 and has been actively engaged in the practice of law since that time. He is a member of the Charleston County Bar Association and practices primarily in the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester area, although he has appeared in various capacities in Courts in almost every county in South Carolina at one time or another over the years.

 

Over the past thirty plus years, Mr. Murphy has represented many different individuals and companies in a variety of legal matters. His practice is a general one with an emphasis on civil matters, particularly Family Court issues, Wills & Probate, personal injuries, contract matters, collection matters, worker's compensation claims and a wide variety of other areas. He seeks to limit his practice in the criminal area to the representation of persons who are other than "career" offenders but has experienced much success over the years in representing young people and first-time offenders.

 

counselor and advocate for my clients

There are two areas where clients are most frequently dissatisfied with their experience with lawyers. These are "I cannot get my lawyer to return my phone calls" and "I did not understand what the cost would be." I make a concerted effort to return all calls within twenty-four hours and generally am able to do so much more quickly. I also utilize retainer contracts where I set out in writing the scope of the work for which I have been engaged, the amount of any retainer to be paid and set forth my hourly rate. I keep contemporaneous computerized records of all work done and provide to my clients itemized statements. 

 

My desire is to provide quality representation for my clients at a fair price. As a business person I have bills which are required to be paid, just as does everyone else. For that reason I bill for the services which I am asked to perform. Having said this, I am also aware of the need to be a good steward of my clients' resources, so my goal is to accomplish every task as quickly and efficiently as is possible and achieve for my clients the desired result.

 

As an advocate I am charged with representing my clients to the best of my ability, zealously within the bounds of law. I have over thirty years of experience in our various courts and am well able to do all things necessary to present my client's position in the most favorable light possible in whatever court we happen to be in.

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

There are few things in life more traumatic than becoming involved in the legal system, regardless of what one's involvement is. Attorneys are sought out not because they are necessarily any brighter or smarter than the clients whom they represent, but because of the training they have received and the experience they have gained over years of working within the judicial system. A lawyer serves two main roles, the first is that of a counselor, the second is that of an advocate. Both are vital to protecting the interests of the client. I endeavor to serve in both capacities for the benefit of my clients.

 

As a counselor I begin by listening to my clients as they share with me the reason for seeking representation. Notes are taken and at the appropriate time, questions are asked which are designed to elicit further information necessary to evaluating the client's present situation. Sometimes it is obvious what the issues are, at other times it is more complex. Once I have an understanding of the issues, I make every effort to explain to my clients what the applicable law is which governs their case and explain to them as fully as is possible what services will be performed for them if my services are engaged. 

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