Michael J. Murtaugh

Michael Murtaugh founded Murtaugh LLP in 1979 as a general civil litigation firm, and he has handled all manners of civil disputes and lawsuits over more than 50 years. Early on, however, his practice began to be increasingly focused on the representation of architects, engineers, and other design professionals, while the scope of his practice expanded to include a wide array of transactional and general business matters including ownership transitions, partnership disputes, mergers and acquisitions, professional service agreements, copyright protection, Board complaints and employment claims.

Michael’s depth of experience in the A/E space is difficult to match. He understands the design professional business, the involved risk, and how to help clients navigate both with clarity and confidence. His practice covers the full array of a design firm’s legal needs, whether a firm is defending a professional liability claim, negotiating a critical contract, structuring an ownership transition, or managing an employment dispute.

He is an honorary member of the Orange County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, a distinction that reflects the trust and respect he has earned within the design professional community over decades of dedicated service.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Cincinnati and his law degree from the UCLA School of Law, where he represented the school in the National Moot Court Competition and was elected to the Order of the Barristers. He has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest possible AV Preeminent rating for ethics and competence.