Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy

09/23/2026

💔Lending Money to a Boyfriend or Girlfriend? Protect Yourself Before the Relationship Ends. 💸

At the Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy, we are seeing too many new clients who are owed significant amounts of money by former partners.

If you are considering lending money to a boyfriend or girlfriend, protect yourself from the beginning:
✍️ Put the agreement in writing. Clearly state the amount being loaned, the repayment terms, interest—if any—and what happens if payments are missed.
⚠️ Avoid vague promises. “I’ll pay you back” may be difficult to enforce without specific terms and proof.
📄 Consider a promissory note. For larger amounts, a properly drafted promissory note can help establish the debt and provide important legal protections.
📂 Keep records. Save bank transfers, payment-app receipts, text messages, emails, and any other communications about the loan.
🎁 Identify whether it is a loan or a gift. If you expect repayment, make that clear. A court may treat money as a gift if the circumstances and documentation do not show otherwise.
🤝 Do not rely solely on the relationship. Even if you trust your partner, relationships can change. A written agreement protects both people by avoiding misunderstandings.
⚖️ Before lending a substantial amount of money, speak with an experienced attorney about documenting the arrangement and protecting your rights. Taking a few preventive steps now may save you significant time, expense, and frustration later.

📞 The Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy can help you understand your options. Contact us to discuss your situation.

This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. An attorney-client relationship is not created by reading or responding to this post. Laws and deadlines vary by state and circumstance.

www.murphlaw.net

09/14/2026

🏠Protect Your Property: The Risks of Hiring Unlicensed Contractors in California🏗️

At the Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy, we frequently see the serious financial and legal complications that arise from construction projects gone wrong. One of the most common—and preventable—issues is hiring unlicensed contractors.

What Does California Law Provide? California has some of the strongest consumer protections in the nation under the Business and Professions Code, including Section 7031. This law is designed to shield property owners by severely penalizing unlicensed contractors. Key protections include the ability for property owners to sue to recover compensation paid to an unlicensed contractor for their work.

Before You Start Your Project: ✅ Always Verify: Before signing a contract, check the contractor’s license status through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). ✅ Get it in Writing: Ensure you have a detailed, signed contract. ✅ Know Your Rights: If you have already hired someone and suspect they are unlicensed or the work is substandard, you have options for filing a complaint or pursuing legal action.

Don't let a "good deal" turn into a major legal and financial headache. If you are dealing with a residential or commercial construction dispute or faulty work, contact the Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy today for professional guidance.

www.murphlaw.net

09/04/2026

Happy Labor Day weekend from the Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy! 🇺🇸

Take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the holiday—but remember to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and look out for one another. A little awareness can help prevent accidents, and knowing your rights matters if an injury or legal incident occurs.

Wishing you a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

www.murphlaw.net

09/02/2026

“Selfie cheese!” 📸 Celebrating three years of working as Marketing Director and a member of the management team at the Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy—where every day is a celebration of our clients’ wins and the strong legal support we provide!

www.murphlaw.net

08/26/2026

Trust should never be exploited.

With the dedicated advocacy of Associate Attorney Carmen Selame at the Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy, our clients found their voice and secured justice after more than $45,000 was stolen from them.

The Court found the Defendant’s conduct so egregious that it warranted punitive damages and entered a judgment of more than $200,000 in our clients’ favor, plus potential attorney’s fees and costs.

At trial, the Defendant admitted that he had:

- Lied to our clients and stolen their money
- Led them to believe they were friends, despite admitting he never viewed them that way
- Used our clients’ bank account to misrepresent his income and improve his creditworthiness

When trust is betrayed, experienced legal guidance matters. The Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy is here to help.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.

www.murphlaw.net

08/12/2026

Think twice before relying on AI forms for your legal transactions.

AI can be fast and cheap — but speed isn’t the same as safety. Transactional work (sales, leases, wills, contracts) often hinges on small details, local rules, and facts that templates and bots can’t fully evaluate. A knowledgeable local lawyer brings:

*Context: state/local law, court practice, and recent changes that templates miss.

*Judgment: spotting risks, tailoring clauses, and negotiating for your real goals — not a one-size-fits-all fill-in.

*Accountability: someone who stands behind the work, explains tradeoffs, and fixes problems if they arise.

*Relationship & trust: we ask follow-up questions, uncover hidden issues, and protect long-term interests — not just produce a document.

*Risk management: minor wording can create major liability; humans catch those nuances.

If you value certainty and protection more than a quick checkbox, hire a trusted local lawyer who knows your industry and your community. It may cost a bit more up front — but it can save time, money, and stress down the road.

Want recommendations for reliable local counsel? We are here to help.

www.murphlaw.net

07/01/2026

Celebrating after yesterday's victory for our client, Patricia Avila.

After more than five years of litigation, a jury awarded Patricia $885,000 for emotional distress and lost wages arising from the horrific mauling incident involving singer Chris Brown’s dog.

We are proud to have secured justice for Patricia.

You can find further information on the trial as featured in Billboard, Variety, The Guardian, and Rolling Stone, amongst other publications writing about the case now.

Thank you to everyone who supported our client, our client's family, and this case.

https://www.billboard.com/pro/chris-brown-dog-attack-verdict-housekeeper-wins-13-million/

https://variety.com/2026/music/news/chris-brown-verdict-dog-mauling-housekeeper-13-million-1236799769/

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/jul/01/rb-star-chris-brown-ordered-to-pay-13m-to-housekeeper-mauled-by-his-dog

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chris-brown-dog-attack-housekeeper-verdict-13-million-1235585198/

www.murphlaw.net

06/18/2026

As seen in Rolling Stone:

One of our current jury trials was featured today, with Attorney Mike Murphy, Jr. of the Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy serving as lead trial attorney in our case against singer Chris Brown.

We remain committed to vigorously representing our client.

Chris Brown told jurors he was "in shock" when he ran downstairs and saw a housekeeper on the ground with severe injuries from a dog mauling.

06/15/2026

We had a fantastic time yesterday at the Thousand Oaks Rotary Wine Festival! The Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy were proud to sponsor this special event again — a wonderful day with friends and community members supporting Special Olympics Ventura County and the Thousand Oaks Rotary Foundation. Thank you to all who came out to support this great cause!

www.murphlaw.net

06/04/2026

The Law Offices of Michael C. Murphy proudly sponsors Lindero Canyon Middle School’s 2025-2026 Band Program! 🎶👏🎺🎷📚 Proud to support young musicians and their musical journey.

www.murphlaw.net