Peyton Murphy – A Career Built on Consistency and Common Sense

Born and raised in South Louisiana, Peyton Murphy built his career on hard work, consistency, and a simple belief in doing what’s right. After graduating from LSU in 1988 and earning his law degree from Tulane in 1991, he was admitted to practice law in both Louisiana and Connecticut. Two years later, he founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge, determined to fight for people who needed a strong advocate.

For over 28 years, Peyton has led with integrity and resilience. He has earned record verdicts, including an $18.9 million judgment in a single-event case decided by the Louisiana Supreme Court. His firm has become known across the country for its readiness to go to trial and its track record in car accidents, wrongful death, product liability, and medical malpractice cases.

Beyond the courtroom, Peyton believes leadership means showing up for the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he organized mask and sanitizer giveaways across Baton Rouge, providing over 67,000 masks and thousands of meals to families and frontline workers.

A lifelong sportsman and father of three daughters, Peyton spends his free time golfing, bow hunting, and fishing along Louisiana’s coast with his dog, Waylon. His philosophy is straightforward, success comes from preparation, patience, and helping others along the way.

Learn more about his work here.

Q&A: Peyton Murphy on leadership, law, and lessons learned

Interview with Peyton Murphy

You’ve been practicing law for nearly three decades. What first inspired you to become a lawyer? 

Growing up in South Louisiana, I always knew I wanted to help people. I saw how tough life could be for ordinary families after an accident or workplace injury. I wanted to be someone they could trust to stand up for them. That goal never really changed.

What were those early years like after you finished at Tulane? 

After graduating, I clerked for a state district judge, which was an incredible education in how courts actually work. Then I joined an insurance defense firm. That job gave me perspective, it showed me how the other side thinks. By 1993, I decided it was time to start my own practice, one focused on people, not corporations. That’s how Murphy Law Firm began.

You’ve earned record verdicts in Louisiana. What stands out about those experiences? 

The $18.9 million verdict after nearly a three-week trial still stands out. The offer before trial was just over four million, but we knew the case was worth much more. We fought hard, and justice was served. That case became one of the largest single-event verdicts ever decided by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Another one, a $758,000 verdict for a shoulder joint injury, was also a proud moment. It wasn’t about the number, it was about standing by a client when others wouldn’t.

How would you describe your approach to law? 

Common sense, patience, and the ability to listen. Legal work isn’t just about quoting laws, it’s about understanding people. You’ve got to know when to talk, when to listen, and when to keep quiet. I still write things down the old-fashioned way. Short-term goals keep me focused, long-term ones give me direction.

How do you keep your team motivated at Murphy Law Firm? 

We treat every case as if it’s going to trial. Preparation is everything. I tell my team, “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.” That mindset builds confidence. We also make time to talk about the “why”, why we do this work, why it matters to real people. That’s what keeps us grounded.

You’re known for your community work, especially during the pandemic. What drove that effort? 

When COVID hit, we saw how many people were struggling. I wanted to help however I could. It started with a simple mask giveaway at our office. Then people began lining up, and it turned into something much bigger. We ended up giving away over 67,000 masks, 100 gallons of hand sanitizer, and thousands of boxes of food. It showed me how much good can happen when you just start.

What has been your biggest lesson from nearly thirty years of practice? 

Consistency beats everything else. You don’t have to be the loudest or the smartest, you just have to show up, keep learning, and do the right thing, even when no one’s watching. I’ve learned a lot from clients, especially the ones who trusted me in difficult times.

How do you balance work and personal life? 

It’s taken practice. If I stretch myself too thin, it shows up in my work. I make sure there’s time for my daughters and the things that keep me centered, fishing, golf, and spending time outdoors. Balance doesn’t mean equal time, it means knowing what deserves your attention at any given moment.

Looking ahead, how do you see your role evolving in the legal community? 

I want to keep building trust. That means mentoring younger lawyers, being involved in the Baton Rouge Bar Association, and giving back to the community. Law isn’t static, it changes with people and culture. My job is to stay curious, keep learning, and make sure our firm continues to stand for fairness and integrity.

What advice would you give to young lawyers starting out? 

Don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on preparation, communication, and integrity. Write things down. Learn from mentors, but don’t try to copy them. And never forget that behind every file is a person who’s counting on you.