William J. Murphy (Rhode Island politician)
William John Murphy (born January 4, 1963) is an American attorney and was a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing the 26th District from 1993 to 2011. He served as the 221st Speaker of the House from January 7, 2003 to February 11, 2010, when he handed over the gavel to his majority leader, Gordon D. Fox.
William J. Murphy | |
|---|---|
| 221st Speaker of the Rhode Island House of Representatives | |
| In office January 7, 2003 – February 11, 2010 | |
| Preceded by | John B. Harwood |
| Succeeded by | Gordon D. Fox |
| Member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from the 26th district | |
| In office January 5, 1993 – January 2011 | |
| Succeeded by | Patricia Morgan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William John Murphy[1] January 4, 1963 West Warwick, Rhode Island |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Stacey L. Judge[1] |
| Residence | West Warwick, Rhode Island |
| Alma mater | University of Hartford (BA), Franklin Pierce Law Center (JD)[2] |
| Profession | Attorney, Lobbyist[3] |
Education
He graduated from the University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government in 1985 and from the University of New Hampshire School of Law with a Juris Doctor in 1989.[4][2]
Legal career
He has practiced law in Providence, Rhode Island with his own law firm Murphy & Fay, LLP.[4][2]
Political career
He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives representing the 26th District from 1993 to 2011.[2][4] While in this position he served as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and later Speaker of the House.[2][4]
He later registered as a lobbyist and has lobbied in both the Rhode Island General Assembly and the Office of the Governor of Rhode Island for groups such as Twin Rivers Casino, the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers and Advance America Cash Advance Centers.[5][6][7]
Personal life
He married his wife Stacey on March 26, 1994 at Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick, Rhode Island.[1] They later had two children.
References
- When the raid went down, the pols headed for the Old Canteen
- "Representative William J. Murphy Speaker Of The House Biography". State of Rhode Island General Assembly. State of Rhode Island General Assembly. Archived from the original on 28 August 2009.
- Gregg, Katherine (April 16, 2014). "Former Speaker Murphy representing his embattled successor, Gordon Fox". Providence Journal. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
- Law Firm bio
- Former R.I. House speaker joins Twin River lobbying team
- Advocates of ‘payday lending reform’ drop lobbyist Fischer
- Political Scene: Business is always brisk for lobbyists at R.I. State House
External links
- Archive of Rhode Island House Representative William J. Murphy Profile
- Profile at Project Vote Smart
- Follow the Money - William J. Murphy
- Archive of article about his plan to step down as Speaker of the House