(949) 794-4000

Caring for clients since 1979

Trusted legal counsel for businesses, professionals, and families

For more than four decades, we have advised clients across California on complex business, litigation, and estate matters.

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Who We Are

Putting clients first in every matter we handle

Murtaugh LLP is a Southern California law firm founded in Irvine with deep roots in the Orange County professional community. The firm is widely known for representing architects, engineers, and professional services firms, while also advising businesses and families on complex transactions, disputes, and estate matters. Our work is grounded in long-term relationships built on trust and thoughtful counsel.

About Murtaugh

Our Attorneys

Meet the team guiding our clients

Senior Partner

Michael J. Murtaugh

Founding attorney and senior partner counseling and representing architectural and engineering firms in litigation, transactions, employment matters, and the full range of legal issues that arise in running a design professional practice.

Of Counsel

John P. Deily

Senior trust and estate litigator with four decades of experience representing trustees, beneficiaries, and high-net-worth individuals in complex, high-stakes disputes.

Senior Partner

Robert T. Lemen

Trial attorney representing family members in trust and inheritance disputes and business owners in civil litigation — from early strategy through verdict.

Senior Partner

W. Rod Stern

Senior partner advising business owners, fiduciaries, and high-net-worth individuals on sophisticated tax, estate planning, probate, and fiduciary matters.

Co-Managing Partner

Michelle R. Generaux

Trusted legal advisor to architecture and engineering firms navigating high-stakes transactions, ownership transitions, and complex business challenges.

Partner

Marin T. Bradshaw

Trusts and estates attorney advising families and fiduciaries on inheritance matters involving complexity, conflict, and long-term family impact

Partner

Devin E. Murtaugh

Trial attorney representing design professionals and businesses in professional liability, construction, and commercial litigation.

Partner

Kalyn M. Stern

Transactional attorney advising design professionals and business owners through mergers and acquisitions, ownership transitions, and the full range of decisions that shape a company’s future.

Partner

Benjamin R. Schwefel

Trusts and estates attorney advising fiduciaries, families, and business owners when legal complexity intersects with high-stakes decisions.

Partner

Jon Feldon

Jon’s practice focuses on trust and estate litigation throughout California, advising fiduciaries and families in complex, high-stakes disputes, including claims of elder abuse, undue influence, and breaches of fiduciary duties, as well as trust contests, will contests, and conservatorship disputes.

Partner

Lauren E. Saint

Trust and estate litigator representing trustees and beneficiaries in complex, high-conflict disputes involving fiduciary duties, capacity, undue influence, and contested estate plans.

Of Counsel

Helen Cicino Fabian

Helen helps businesses navigate the complicated world of employment law and avoid time consuming and expensive employment and human resource issues.

Of Counsel

Michael J. Grobaty

Trial attorney with 40 years of experience representing plaintiffs and defendants in high-stakes employment, business, probate, and legal malpractice disputes. Also serves as a certified private mediator.

Senior Associate

Ashley Chinn

Civil litigator representing businesses and individuals in design professional, construction, employment, contract, real estate, and trust and estate disputes.

Senior Associate

Janet Li

Trust and civil litigator advising families, trustees, and fiduciaries in complex, high-stakes disputes.

Senior Associate

John P. Hannon, III

Trusts and estates attorney advising families and fiduciaries on estate planning and administration from foundational matters to complex tax-driven strategies

Associate Attorney

Diana Mansuryan

Litigation attorney focused on trusts and estates disputes, representing individuals in probate, inheritance, and civil litigation matters.

Associate Attorney

Bridgette A. Santos

Trust and estate litigator representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries in complex trust, probate, and inheritance disputes.

Associate Attorney

Eric Nimmo

Trust and estate litigator helping fiduciaries and beneficiaries resolve complex disputes through strategic advocacy and creative problem-solving.
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Practice Areas

Trusted legal expertise in key practice areas

Civil Litigation

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Trust & Estates

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Business Transactions and Operations

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Latest News

Sharing insights and firm updates

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Murtaugh Congratulates Judge Thomas Fay on His Appointment to the Orange County Superior Court
News June 30, 2026

Murtaugh Congratulates Judge Thomas Fay on His Appointment to the Orange County Superior Court

Murtaugh congratulates Thomas Fay on his appointment to the Orange County Superior Court by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Murtaugh Kicks Off Summer with Law Clerks and Axe Throwing
News June 29, 2026

Murtaugh Kicks Off Summer with Law Clerks and Axe Throwing

Murtaugh welcomed its 2026 summer clerk class with an axe throwing outing to kick off the season.
Michelle Generaux Spotlighted by AIA Orange County
News June 25, 2026

Michelle Generaux Spotlighted by AIA Orange County

Co-Managing Partner Michelle Generaux was spotlighted by AIA Orange County, reflecting her strong ties to the architecture and design community.
Murtaugh Hosts AIA Orange County Happy Hour at AIA26
News June 15, 2026

Murtaugh Hosts AIA Orange County Happy Hour at AIA26

Murtaugh hosted the AIA Orange County Chapter Happy Hour at AIA26, connecting with members of the architecture and design community.
Ben Schwefel Attends OCYTL Post-Conference Happy Hour
News June 11, 2026

Ben Schwefel Attends OCYTL Post-Conference Happy Hour

Partner Ben Schwefel attended the OCYTL Post-Conference Happy Hour, connecting with tax and estate planning professionals across Orange County.
Murtaugh Celebrates 47 Years at Its Annual Anniversary Dinner
News June 9, 2026

Murtaugh Celebrates 47 Years at Its Annual Anniversary Dinner

Murtaugh gathered to celebrate 47 years, recognizing anniversary milestones, presenting the Care for the Client Award, and welcoming incoming summer clerks.
Ben Schwefel Named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X: The Next Generation
News June 5, 2026

Ben Schwefel Named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X: The Next Generation

Partner Ben Schwefel has been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X, recognizing the future of the legal profession.
John Deily Recognized as a 2026 Los Angeles Times Legal Visionary
News May 23, 2026

John Deily Recognized as a 2026 Los Angeles Times Legal Visionary

Murtaugh congratulates John Deily on his recognition as a 2026 Legal Visionary by the Los Angeles Times.