Jessica E. Murphy

Jessica Murphy is a partner in Shipman’s Boston office. She represents businesses, contractors, lenders, and professionals in commercial litigation and construction law. She is known for helping clients resolve disputes that affect core operations and profitability, including contract enforcement, credit and collection matters, and claims arising in the construction industry.  Clients trust her to handle disputes from initial demand through trial and appeal, while also delivering practical guidance to prevent issues from escalating into costly litigation.

Jessica’s work covers a wide range of industries, with a particular focus on construction. She has represented general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and lenders in cases involving contract performance, mechanic’s liens, payment disputes, and change order claims. Her ability to combine legal strategy with an understanding of day-to-day project operations allows her to anticipate challenges and resolve them efficiently. She also advises clients on drafting and reviewing construction contracts, helping them allocate risk and avoid litigation before projects begin.

Her practice also extends to commercial disputes for banks, manufacturers, and service providers. Jessica frequently represents lenders and creditors in securing prejudgment attachments, enforcing judgments, and navigating insolvency proceedings. She has successfully pursued claims to recover substantial assets and has defended businesses in complex contract and vendor disputes. This broad litigation background ensures that clients receive guidance that is not only aggressive in protecting their interests but also attuned to business realities.

Jessica is deeply engaged with the construction community. She has delivered presentations and webinars on topics such as lien enforcement, release provisions, and contract negotiation, providing business owners and contractors with the tools to protect their rights and minimize disputes. Her leadership roles in the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), both locally and nationally, demonstrate her commitment to advancing the industry and mentoring others.

Her approach is pragmatic and client-focused. Whether she is helping a contractor secure payment on a delayed project, guiding a lender through enforcement of a secured interest, or advising a business owner on a high-stakes contract dispute, Jessica provides clear, actionable advice rooted in legal precision and real-world understanding. Clients value her responsiveness, her ability to cut through complexity, and her commitment to achieving results that align with both immediate goals and long-term business success.