Thomas P. Murphy
About Thomas P. Murphy
Thomas P. Murphy is a lawyer based in San Jose, CA and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2021. Thomas P. Murphy is recognized in the following practice area:
- San Jose, California
- Appellate Practice
Current Firm: Berliner Cohen LLP
Education: Santa Clara University, J.D., graduated 1985
Location: San Jose, CA
Nearby Lawyers
Lloyd Winawer is known for his work on complex business litigation and investigations. Lloyd focuses on disputes arising from mergers and acquisitions and other commercial transactions and securities law matters. Lloyd is the leader of Bergeson’s M&A Dispute Resolution Group. Lloyd has significant expertise in M&A disputes, having litigated and advised on numerous post-closing controversies related to earnouts, purchase price adjustments, contingent value rights, milestone and p...
Eric C. Bellafronto is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Eric C., who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Eric C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
James F. Valentine is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Litigation - Patent. James F., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James F. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ken D. Kumayama is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Intellectual Property. Ken D., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ken D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Steven Ellenberg is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Steven, who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Steven is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Kim T. Schoknecht is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Kim T., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kim T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Ed Wes is a partner in the firm's Business practice, who focuses his practice on emerging growth companies. Ed's practice includes capital formation (including private financings of debt and equity securities, as well as public offerings), mergers and acquisitions and business transactions including joint ventures and technology transfer transactions. In his position as general counsel for many of his clients Ed also oversees the work of litigation and IP law specialists. Ed particularly valu...
Erik Puknys’ career in intellectual property began more than 25 years ago, when he joined the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office as a patent examiner. Erik started his legal career at Finnegan’s Washington, D.C. office in 1994, and moved to California in 1997 to help open the firm’s Silicon Valley office. He has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in district courts around the United States, in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and in the U.S. Supreme Cour...
Jeffrey E. Essner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Jeffrey E., who practices law in San Jose, California, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jeffrey E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Bijal V. Vakil is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Intellectual Property. Bijal V., who practices law in Palo Alto, California, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bijal V. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Reddit’s Lawsuit Could Change How Much AI Knows About You
by Justin Smulison
Big AI is battling for its future—your data’s at stake.
US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory
by Bryan Driscoll
The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.
The 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Chile, Colombia and Puerto Rico
by Jamilla Tabbara
The region’s most highly regarded lawyers.