Jerome T. Murphy – Building Better Cases Through Preparation

Every successful attorney has a moment that changes how they approach their work. For Jerome T. Murphy, that moment came early in his legal career. It was not a courtroom victory. It was a setback. Instead of letting that experience define him, he turned it into a lesson that still shapes every case he handles today. That mindset has helped him build a respected career as a partner at Tressler LLP, where he represents clients in complex civil defense litigation, commercial disputes, and real estate matters. For Murphy, success is not about winning every argument. It is about preparing well, setting realistic goals, and giving every client an honest effort.

How Jerome T. Murphy's family inspired his legal career

Murphy grew up on the South Side of Chicago before his family settled in Palos Heights, Illinois, where they have remained for decades. Law was always part of everyday life.

As a third-generation attorney, he watched his grandfather, father, and uncles serve their community through the legal profession. Their example left a lasting impression.

"I was inspired to enter the practice of law because of their great contributions to the community, family and friends," Murphy says.

That early influence gave him a clear direction. He attended Brother Rice High School before earning a degree in Economics from the University of Illinois. He later graduated cum laude from the University of Illinois College of Law in 2014.

The combination of economics and law gave him a practical way of thinking. Facts and careful analysis matter. Most importantly, preparation matters.

What Jerome T. Murphy learned from an early courtroom loss

Many professionals point to their biggest success as the turning point in their careers. Murphy points to a difficult day in court.

Early in his practice, he argued an important motion for a client. The result did not go his way.

Looking back, he realized the problem was not effort. It was strategy.

"Even though the law was against me, I built the arguments around the strongest position for my client rather than anticipating the opposition's strongest argument."

That experience completely changed how he prepares.

"I now script the best counterargument the other side could make and argue the countervailing position in my head, in order to make sure my position is airtight. It’s not enough to just present my own own version of the case."

That simple adjustment became one of the defining habits of his career. Instead of focusing only on his own position, he now studies every possible challenge before stepping into court.

A career built on preparation and client trust

Today, Murphy is a partner with Tressler LLP, a national law firm based in Chicago.

Murphy’s experience as a seasoned litigator covers a wide range of complex matters. He represents clients in governmental tort defense, breach of contract disputes, commercial and business litigation, personal injury defense, constitutional litigation and medical malpractice. He also assists buyers and sellers with real estate transactions.

The variety ensures that every day is different.

Murphy believes every client deserves the same level of attention, no matter how familiar the legal issue may seem.

"I have to remain humble and approach each client and case as if it's my first. Clients may feel comforted by your experience, but they never want to see their attorney take them or their case for granted."

That mindset helps prevent complacency.

"I never assume that I’m beyond learning something new, and I maintain an appetite for a better understanding of the law and a better way to serve my clients. This is a customer service business, and we owe that to our clients."

Why realistic goals matter in civil defense litigation

Murphy has developed a practical definition of success over the years.

"Success is the earned obtainment of goals."

He believes those goals should always be realistic.

Rather than chasing distant milestones, he prefers to focus on smaller objectives that build over time.

"I don't focus on long-term goals, which are just the culmination and byproduct of satisfying short-term goals."

That philosophy also shapes how he works with clients.

"My metric for success is the ability to communicate a reasonable objective to my client, and then deliver on that goal. Setting goals starts with being on the same page as your client, and remaining mindful of the limitations that may undermine those goals."

Managing expectations early helps clients understand both opportunities and challenges before decisions are made.

The habits that keep Jerome T. Murphy grounded

The practice of law can be demanding. Litigated matters can take years. Murphy has developed simple habits that help him stay focused.

One of them is gratitude.

"In difficult times of stress and pressure, I try to focus on ten things that I’m grateful for, and I'm immediately filled with positive energy. Feeling that energy keeps me going."

Outside the office, he enjoys reading philosophy, history, and economics. He spends meaningful time with family, enjoys nature and hiking, golfing competitively with friends, visiting the Hawaiian Islands, and traveling to historic landmarks across the country.

These passions allow him to step away from his legal work while gaining perspective on life through people and new experiences.

Murphy also believes personal and professional growth depend on each other.

"I have to be healthy and sound in my personal life to deliver the highest quality results to clients in my professional life."

Recognition earned through consistency

Murphy's work has earned recognition throughout the Chicago legal community.

He has been named a Leading Lawyers® Emerging Lawyer for multiple years, an honor reserved for fewer than two percent of lawyers under 40 or those practicing fewer than ten years. He has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™.

Still, awards are not what define his approach.

For Murphy, the most important lesson has remained unchanged since that early courtroom setback. Every case deserves careful preparation. Every client deserves honesty and realistic expectations. Every challenge offers another opportunity to improve.

Those principles continue to guide Jerome T. Murphy as he builds a career centered on thoughtful advocacy, disciplined preparation, and steady leadership within the legal profession.