Business Details
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Newark, NJ
Murphy Orlando is a state-wide, full-service law firm based in Newark, New Jersey, with a team of legal experts dedicated to providing comprehensive legal solutions. Our attorneys combine deep legal expertise with specialized knowledge of public-sector issues, rooted in decades of experience working within New Jersey state and local government. We serve clients across diverse practice areas, including appellate practice, cannabis law, criminal defense, estate litigation, labor and employment law, and land use and redevelopment.Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through landmark cases, such as the first successful cannabis regulatory appeal in New Jersey history and high-profile criminal defense representation. With a focus on collaboration and client-centric advocacy, we deliver strategic legal counsel tailored to the unique needs of individuals, businesses, and public entities.
Services
Appellate Practice
Cannabis Law
Criminal Defense
Estate Litigation
Labor & Employment Law
Land Use & Redevelopment
Public Sector Issues
Non-Profit Litigation
Election Law
Government Law
Highlights and features
- We have decades of combined experience in New Jersey legal matters, including government and public-sector expertise.
- Our attorneys have handled landmark cases, including the first successful cannabis regulatory appeal in NJ history.
- We offer specialized knowledge in complex areas like estate litigation, labor law, and appellate advocacy.
- Our team includes former prosecutors, government officials, and federal court-appointed attorneys.
- We provide tailored legal strategies grounded in deep understanding of state and local regulations.
Services
Appellate Practice
Murphy Orlando handles complex federal and state appellate cases, leveraging decades of experience in crafting persuasive arguments and securing favorable outcomes. Our attorneys have reversed summary judgments, defended trial court rulings, and achieved landmark decisions in cannabis regulation and criminal law. We collaborate closely with trial counsel to identify critical issues and deliver strategic appellate advocacy.
Cannabis Law
We guide clients through New Jersey's cannabis licensing process, including location selection, regulatory compliance, and WBE/MBE/VOB certifications. Our team has represented applicants in the first successful cannabis appeal in state history and provides ongoing counsel for medical and recreational cannabis businesses navigating evolving state regulations and local government requirements.
Criminal Defense
Our firm defends clients in state and federal criminal matters ranging from drug offenses to white-collar fraud. Attorneys include former prosecutors and federal court-appointed representatives with experience in high-profile cases. We combine trial expertise with insider knowledge of prosecutorial strategies to protect clients' rights and achieve dismissals, reduced charges, or acquittals.
Estate Litigation
We resolve complex estate disputes involving heirs, international asset repatriation, and religious tribunal rulings. Our practice includes court-appointed estate administration, will contests, and enforcement of succession laws. We also address charitable disputes and special needs trusts, combining legal precision with sensitivity to family dynamics and cultural considerations.
Labor & Employment Law
We represent management and unions in labor and employment matters, including discrimination claims, wage disputes, and collective bargaining. Our expertise extends to police labor relations, OSHA compliance, and ethics proceedings. We provide proactive counsel to prevent litigation and robust defense in whistleblower cases and workplace safety investigations.
People
Michael Murphy
Partner
Former Morris County Prosecutor and gubernatorial candidate with 40+ years of legal experience. Led high-profile cases including the Sidney Reso kidnapping prosecution and international child custody trials. Recognized for bias crime advocacy and media commentary on legal issues.
Jason F. Orlando
Partner
Former Special Assistant Attorney General with expertise in criminal law and cannabis regulation. Appointed to federal Criminal Justice Act panel, representing indigent defendants. Combines prosecutorial insight with defense strategy in complex criminal and regulatory matters.
John W. Bartlett
Partner
Estate litigation specialist appointed by courts to administer disputed estates. Handles international will contests, religious tribunal rulings, and special needs trusts. Provides nuanced counsel in high-net-worth estate disputes and charitable organization compliance.
Arthur R. Sypek, Jr.
Partner
Experienced litigator focusing on land use, redevelopment, and government law. Advises municipalities and private clients on zoning, regulatory compliance, and public-private partnerships. Combines legal expertise with deep understanding of New Jersey's municipal governance structures.
Debra Rydarowski
Partner
Labor and employment law attorney representing public and private sector clients in discrimination claims, collective bargaining, and workplace safety disputes. Provides strategic counsel to police unions and municipal agencies on labor relations and ethics compliance.
Questions
What areas of law does Murphy Orlando specialize in?
We specialize in appellate practice, cannabis law, criminal defense, estate litigation, labor and employment law, land use, and public-sector legal matters across New Jersey.
Do you handle cases outside New Jersey?
While our focus is New Jersey law, we assist with multi-state issues through strategic partnerships and our deep understanding of regional regulatory frameworks.
Can you help with cannabis business licensing?
Yes, we guide clients through New Jersey's medical and recreational cannabis licensing process, including location approvals, regulatory compliance, and certification applications.
What experience do your attorneys have in criminal defense?
Our team includes former prosecutors, federal court-appointed attorneys, and specialists in complex criminal cases ranging from drug offenses to white-collar fraud.
How do you approach estate litigation?
We combine legal expertise with cultural sensitivity to resolve disputes involving international assets, religious rulings, and special needs trusts while prioritizing client confidentiality.
Are your attorneys qualified to handle appellate cases?
Yes, our appellate team has secured landmark rulings in cannabis regulation, employment law, and criminal defense, with decades of combined experience in state and federal appeals.
