At Murphy & Rudolf, LLP, we take the rights and interests of our clients very seriously. We understand that you are most likely facing a life-changing event – which can become increasingly frightening if you are unaware of your rights or legal options.
We offer tough Criminal Defense. Whether you have been arrested for the first time, are facing felonious criminal charges, or think you are the focus of a criminal investigation, all of these issues will require the attention of a skilled and experienced Worcester criminal defense lawyer from our firm.
We also offer skilled family law counsel. Matters of divorce, child custody, and child support are often some of the most emotional and challenging situations you may ever have to deal with. Our experienced Worcester divorce attorneys understand this, and give each client the compassionate and focused representation they need. Our firm believes that most trials and negotiations can be won or lost based on the quality of a lawyer’s case preparation. Work with us, and put the collective power of seasoned trial lawyers on your side.
Brian E. Murphy
Brian E. Murphy focuses his practice on criminal defense in the district, superior, and federal courts. Mr. Murphy has spent his entire career focused on defending those accused of crime and advocating for them both in Court and in the various administrative proceedings that often accompany prosecutions.
He primarily handles serious criminal matters with special focus on the following:- White collar offenses- Complicated sex offense accusations- Drunk driving allegations- Violent crime- Post-conviction and appellate advocacy- Select civil matters
Mr. Murphy graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester and from Columbia Law School where he was a James Kent Scholar and the Editor-in-Chief of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review.
Mr. Murphy is a member of the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Worcester County Bar Association.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law- OUI- Personal Injury — Plaintiff- Litigation Percentage- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
Education:- Columbia Law School, New York, New York; J.D. - Honors: James Kent Scholar - Law Review: Columbia Human Rights Law Review, Editor-in-Chief- College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts; B.A.
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- Massachusetts Bar Association- Boston Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association- Federal Bar Association- Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers
Ben Rudolf
Ben Rudolf has experience with all aspects of civil litigation. He represents individuals and family businesses in employment litigation, real estate and contract disputes, as well as personal injury matters.
He has significant trial experience in the Superior Court, and has argued cases before the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. He is an active member of the Worcester County Bar Association, having served on its Executive Committee and as the Co-Chair of its Committee on Services to the Poor and Homeless. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association.
Areas of Practice:- Employment litigation- Contract disputes- Business partnership disputes- Personal injury — Plaintiff
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
Education:- University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, MN; J.D. - Law Review: Minnesota Journal of Global Trade (now Minnesota Journal of International Law)- Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, MN; B.A.
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association
Sean Smith
Sean M. Smith focuses in the criminal defense of his clients at the district, superior, and federal courts. He handles all serious criminal matters, with a special focus on accusations of drug-trafficking, firearm, or sex offenses. Mr. Smith’s thorough approach to each case and his strong commitment to his clients have garnered him the respect of the courts and opponents alike. Mr. Smith also handles select immigration cases.
Mr. Smith graduated with a doctorate from the University of Chicago, where he was a recipient of Century, Fulbright, and Andrew Mellon Fellowships. He then graduated from Boston College Law School where he focused on criminal and immigration law.
Mr. Smith is a member of the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Worcester County Bar Association.
Mr. Smith is fluent in the Spanish language.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law- Immigration – removal proceedings
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- S. District Court District of Massachusetts
Education:- Boston College Law School; J.D. - Law Review: International and Comparative Law Review- University of Chicago; Ph.D.- Reed College; B.A.
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- Massachusetts Bar Association- Boston Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association
Lyonel Jean-Pierre Jr.
Lyonel Jean-Pierre Jr. is an experienced Massachusetts family law practitioner. He handles various types of matters in the Probate and Family Court including contested and uncontested divorce, separate support, custody disputes between married and unmarried partners, paternity, child support, alimony, guardianship, modification complaints and contempt complaints. Mr. Jean-Pierre also appears in the Juvenile Court on care and protection cases.
Mr. Jean-Pierre graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University where in addition to his studies he mentored under privileged youth and ran track and field for four years. He then attended and graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City with a particular focus on public interest and family law.
Mr. Jean-Pierre is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association for which he served as Co-Chair of the Family Law Section. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and Boston Bar Association. In 2012 he was honored with the YWCA Great Guy Award & Official State Citation.
Areas of Practice:- Family law- Care and protection – juvenile
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions- Massachusetts
Education:- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Manhattan, NY; J.D. - Women’s Law Journal, Annotations Editor- Brandeis University, Waltham, MA; B.A. - Big Siblings Mentor Program Co-coordinator
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Worcester County Bar Association- Massachusetts Bar Association- Boston Bar Association
Michael S. Hussey
Michael S. Hussey recently joined the firm after working as a public defender in Massachusetts for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) since 1985, and serving as the Attorney-in-Charge of the Worcester public defender’s office for more than 20 years. He has represented thousands of individuals in a wide variety of cases in the District and Superior Courts in Worcester, Suffolk, Middlesex, and Hampden counties. He has also argued cases before the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Mr. Hussey has been on the “Murder List” since 1992, and has handled over 60 homicide cases during his career.
Attorney Hussey is a fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, whose membership is by invitation only and is limited to no more than 1% of the lawyers in each state. He was the 2003 recipient of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Access to Justice Award. In 2006, Attorney Hussey was awarded the Edward Duggan Public Defender Award by CPCS. Mr. Hussey has been a frequent lecturer and faculty member at continuing legal education programs in Massachusetts and New York; teaching criminal trial skills to public defenders, private defense attorneys, and members of the U.S. military. He was a contributing author to MCLE’s Trying Murder and Homicide Cases. He presently serves as the Past-President of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is a longtime member of the board of Massachusetts Citizens Against the Death Penalty.
At Murphy & Rudolf, Attorney Hussey concentrates on criminal defense matters in state and federal cases as well as providing assistance to students facing college disciplinary proceedings.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
Education:- Suffolk University Law School; J.D. Cum Laude- Stony Brook University; B.A. Summa Cum Laude
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- Massachusetts Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association- American College of Trial Lawyers
Maura L. Tansley
Maura J. Tansley practices criminal defense in the district and superior courts and prides herself on her diligent and thorough representation of her clients. Ms. Tansley joins Murphy & Rudolf after five years with the Committee for Public Counsel Services where she established herself as a well-respected attorney by her colleagues and as a staunch advocate by her clients. With experience representing clients in matters ranging from operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to sexual assault and rape, to serious injury on a child, Ms. Tansley is prepared to handle your criminal defense needs.
Ms. Tansley graduated from Simmons College in Boston and from Boston University School of Law.
Ms. Tansley is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law- Litigation Percentage- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
Education:- Boston University School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts; J.D.- Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts; B.A. Magna Cum Laude
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
At Murphy & Rudolf, LLP, we take the rights and interests of our clients very seriously. We understand that you are most likely facing a life-changing event – which can become increasingly frightening if you are unaware of your rights or legal options.
We offer tough Criminal Defense. Whether you have been arrested for the first time, are facing felonious criminal charges, or think you are the focus of a criminal investigation, all of these issues will require the attention of a skilled and experienced Worcester criminal defense lawyer from our firm.
We also offer skilled family law counsel. Matters of divorce, child custody, and child support are often some of the most emotional and challenging situations you may ever have to deal with. Our experienced Worcester divorce attorneys understand this, and give each client the compassionate and focused representation they need. Our firm believes that most trials and negotiations can be won or lost based on the quality of a lawyer’s case preparation. Work with us, and put the collective power of seasoned trial lawyers on your side.
Brian E. Murphy
Brian E. Murphy focuses his practice on criminal defense in the district, superior, and federal courts. Mr. Murphy has spent his entire career focused on defending those accused of crime and advocating for them both in Court and in the various administrative proceedings that often accompany prosecutions.
He primarily handles serious criminal matters with special focus on the following:- White collar offenses- Complicated sex offense accusations- Drunk driving allegations- Violent crime- Post-conviction and appellate advocacy- Select civil matters
Mr. Murphy graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester and from Columbia Law School where he was a James Kent Scholar and the Editor-in-Chief of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review.
Mr. Murphy is a member of the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Worcester County Bar Association.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law- OUI- Personal Injury — Plaintiff- Litigation Percentage- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
Education:- Columbia Law School, New York, New York; J.D. - Honors: James Kent Scholar - Law Review: Columbia Human Rights Law Review, Editor-in-Chief- College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts; B.A.
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- Massachusetts Bar Association- Boston Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association- Federal Bar Association- Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers
Ben Rudolf
Ben Rudolf has experience with all aspects of civil litigation. He represents individuals and family businesses in employment litigation, real estate and contract disputes, as well as personal injury matters.
He has significant trial experience in the Superior Court, and has argued cases before the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. He is an active member of the Worcester County Bar Association, having served on its Executive Committee and as the Co-Chair of its Committee on Services to the Poor and Homeless. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association.
Areas of Practice:- Employment litigation- Contract disputes- Business partnership disputes- Personal injury — Plaintiff
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
Education:- University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, MN; J.D. - Law Review: Minnesota Journal of Global Trade (now Minnesota Journal of International Law)- Gustavus Adolphus College, Saint Peter, MN; B.A.
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association
Sean Smith
Sean M. Smith focuses in the criminal defense of his clients at the district, superior, and federal courts. He handles all serious criminal matters, with a special focus on accusations of drug-trafficking, firearm, or sex offenses. Mr. Smith’s thorough approach to each case and his strong commitment to his clients have garnered him the respect of the courts and opponents alike. Mr. Smith also handles select immigration cases.
Mr. Smith graduated with a doctorate from the University of Chicago, where he was a recipient of Century, Fulbright, and Andrew Mellon Fellowships. He then graduated from Boston College Law School where he focused on criminal and immigration law.
Mr. Smith is a member of the Boston Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Worcester County Bar Association.
Mr. Smith is fluent in the Spanish language.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law- Immigration – removal proceedings
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- S. District Court District of Massachusetts
Education:- Boston College Law School; J.D. - Law Review: International and Comparative Law Review- University of Chicago; Ph.D.- Reed College; B.A.
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- Massachusetts Bar Association- Boston Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association
Lyonel Jean-Pierre Jr.
Lyonel Jean-Pierre Jr. is an experienced Massachusetts family law practitioner. He handles various types of matters in the Probate and Family Court including contested and uncontested divorce, separate support, custody disputes between married and unmarried partners, paternity, child support, alimony, guardianship, modification complaints and contempt complaints. Mr. Jean-Pierre also appears in the Juvenile Court on care and protection cases.
Mr. Jean-Pierre graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University where in addition to his studies he mentored under privileged youth and ran track and field for four years. He then attended and graduated from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City with a particular focus on public interest and family law.
Mr. Jean-Pierre is a member of the Worcester County Bar Association for which he served as Co-Chair of the Family Law Section. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association and Boston Bar Association. In 2012 he was honored with the YWCA Great Guy Award & Official State Citation.
Areas of Practice:- Family law- Care and protection – juvenile
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions- Massachusetts
Education:- Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Manhattan, NY; J.D. - Women’s Law Journal, Annotations Editor- Brandeis University, Waltham, MA; B.A. - Big Siblings Mentor Program Co-coordinator
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Worcester County Bar Association- Massachusetts Bar Association- Boston Bar Association
Michael S. Hussey
Michael S. Hussey recently joined the firm after working as a public defender in Massachusetts for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) since 1985, and serving as the Attorney-in-Charge of the Worcester public defender’s office for more than 20 years. He has represented thousands of individuals in a wide variety of cases in the District and Superior Courts in Worcester, Suffolk, Middlesex, and Hampden counties. He has also argued cases before the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Mr. Hussey has been on the “Murder List” since 1992, and has handled over 60 homicide cases during his career.
Attorney Hussey is a fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers, whose membership is by invitation only and is limited to no more than 1% of the lawyers in each state. He was the 2003 recipient of the Massachusetts Bar Association’s Access to Justice Award. In 2006, Attorney Hussey was awarded the Edward Duggan Public Defender Award by CPCS. Mr. Hussey has been a frequent lecturer and faculty member at continuing legal education programs in Massachusetts and New York; teaching criminal trial skills to public defenders, private defense attorneys, and members of the U.S. military. He was a contributing author to MCLE’s Trying Murder and Homicide Cases. He presently serves as the Past-President of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and is a longtime member of the board of Massachusetts Citizens Against the Death Penalty.
At Murphy & Rudolf, Attorney Hussey concentrates on criminal defense matters in state and federal cases as well as providing assistance to students facing college disciplinary proceedings.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law
Litigation Percentage: 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts- U.S. Court of Appeals 1st Circuit
Education:- Suffolk University Law School; J.D. Cum Laude- Stony Brook University; B.A. Summa Cum Laude
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- Massachusetts Bar Association- Worcester County Bar Association- American College of Trial Lawyers
Maura L. Tansley
Maura J. Tansley practices criminal defense in the district and superior courts and prides herself on her diligent and thorough representation of her clients. Ms. Tansley joins Murphy & Rudolf after five years with the Committee for Public Counsel Services where she established herself as a well-respected attorney by her colleagues and as a staunch advocate by her clients. With experience representing clients in matters ranging from operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, to sexual assault and rape, to serious injury on a child, Ms. Tansley is prepared to handle your criminal defense needs.
Ms. Tansley graduated from Simmons College in Boston and from Boston University School of Law.
Ms. Tansley is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Areas of Practice:- Criminal Law- Litigation Percentage- 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions:- Massachusetts- U.S. District Court District of Massachusetts
Education:- Boston University School of Law, Boston, Massachusetts; J.D.- Simmons College, Boston, Massachusetts; B.A. Magna Cum Laude
Professional Associations and Memberships:- Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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