Founding partner Niels P. Murphy of Florida is a distinguished trial, appellate, and arbitration attorney admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in Florida. As lead counsel, he has represented Fortune 500 companies, individuals, professionals, and small businesses in hundreds of lawsuits, regulatory matters, and arbitration cases nationwide for over 25 years. He currently handles complex legal matters involving securities, compliance, regulatory, business disputes, construction, employment, ERISA, insurance coverage disputes, life and disability insurance claims, serious personal injury, and more.

His “AV Preeminent” rating in the renowned Martindale-Hubbell legal directory is a testament to his vast experience and high level of professional excellence. He is also among the handful of board-certified lawyers in Jacksonville, FL, designated by The Florida Bar as an “Expert in Business Litigation”. This prestigious designation is the highest level of recognition for specialization by The Florida Bar and requires significant trial experience and a rigorous qualifying exam.

Niels P. Murphy earned his bachelor’s degree and graduated cum laude at Vanderbilt University, ranking in the top 10% of his class. He earned his law degree and graduated from the University of Florida College of Law with honors. While a law student, he served as chairman of the Moot Court Team.

His legal career began as an associate at the international law firm Holland & Knight. Later, he became a named partner at the boutique litigation firm Liles, Gavin, Costantino & Murphy.

Niels P. Murphy resides in the historic San Marco area of Jacksonville, FL, with his wife Lynne and their three children. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys playing golf and basketball.

• Business Litigation
• Commercial Law
• Construction Law
• Contract Law
• Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
• Employment Law
• Fiduciary and Trust
• FINRA/SEC/State Regulatory
• Insurance and Bad Faith Claims
• Intellectual Property Law
• Life and Disability Insurance Claims
• Personal Injury Law
• Product Liability
• Professional Liability
• Real Estate and Developer
• Securities and Banking
• Wrongful Death

• The Florida Bar
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
• U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida
• U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida
• U.S. Court of Appeals 11th Circuit

• 2025 Lawyer of the Year in Litigation – Securities in Jacksonville, FL
• “Best Lawyers in America” (2010–Present)
• “Florida Super Lawyers” (2009–Present)
• “Top 100 Lawyers in Florida” (2013–Present)
• Jacksonville Magazine’s “Legal Elite” (2009–Present)
• Jacksonville Magazine’s Top Lawyers (2009–Present)
• Florida Trend’s “Legal Elite” (2010–Present)
• 904 Magazine’s “Best Lawyers” (2010–Present)

• J.D., University of Florida College of Law (With Honors)
• B.A., Vanderbilt University (Cum Laude)
  • Gamma Beta Phi, Pi Sigma Alpha, and Phi Eta Sigma

• Named Partner, Liles, Gavin, Costantino & Murphy
• Associate, Holland & Knight
• Intern, U.S. Senate
• LBJ Scholar Intern, U.S. House of Representatives

• Teaching Assistant in Legal Research and Writing, University of Florida
• IPE Complex Legal Drafting
• AEM Annual Seminar
• Teach for America, Nashville, TN, Inner City School Program
• Frequent Speaker on Product Liability Issues, Defense Research Institute (DRI)
• Frequent Speaker on Securities and Regulatory Issues, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA)

• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Florida Bar Association
  • Board Certified in Business Litigation
  • Trial Lawyers Section Member
  • Civil Procedure Rules Committee Member (Emeritus)
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, Jacksonville Bar Association
  • Former Chairperson (Emeritus) of the Commercial Litigation Section
• Member, Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA)
• Member, Chester Bedell American Inn of Court
  • Master (2011–Present)
  • Barrister (2005–2008)

• Heart Device Litigation (March 2006)
• Confidentiality Orders in Complex Cases – How, Why & Do They Work (November 2005)
• Proposals for Settlement – How to Avoid the Pitfalls (March 2005)
• Lost Profits (December 2004)

• Youth Sports Volunteer
• Presiding Officer (Emeritus), Duval County Teen Court
• Board of Trustees Member (2007–2016), Episcopal School of Jacksonville
• Alumni Association President (2007–2009), Episcopal School of Jacksonville

Niels P. Murphy
Phone: (904) 598-9282
Email: nmurphy@murphyandersonlaw.com
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Assistant: Allison Cook
Phone: (904) 380-8084
Email: acook@murphyandersonlaw.com

Brian E. Whetzel is a litigation associate handling matters involving business disputes, commercial litigation, and personal injury.

Before joining Murphy & Anderson, Mr. Whetzel was an associate attorney at a large Florida law firm, where he litigated a diverse array of general liability matters.

Mr. Whetzel earned his law degree from the University of Florida Levin College of Law on a full academic scholarship as an Ethos of Excellence scholar. While in law school, he served as a senior editor for the Florida Entertainment & Sports Law Review and as a research assistant. Mr. Whetzel received recognition for his dedication to public service through his internship at the Mercer County District Attorney’s Office. Prior to attending law school, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Westminster College.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mr. Whetzel now resides in the historic San Marco neighborhood. In his free time, he enjoys reading classic literature, playing tennis, and traveling.

• Business Litigation

• Contracts/Commercial

• Professional Liability

• Personal Injury

• Insurance & Bad Faith

• University of Florida College of Law, J.D. (cum laude)

• Westminster College, B.A. (summa cum laude)

• The Florida Bar

• US District Court, Middle District of Florida

• The Pennsylvania Bar

Phone: (904) 380-8087
Email: bwhetzel@murphyandersonlaw.com
Assistant: Rachel Wolfe
Phone: 904-598-9282