Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
When you’re facing divorce or a family law crisis, you need an attorney who can quickly cut through the noise—what matters, what’s realistic, and what your next best step should be. Kathleen Murphy, Senior Attorney at Ellis Family Law, brings decades of focused experience helping North Carolina families navigate difficult transitions with clear guidance and strong advocacy.
Kathleen has devoted decades exclusively to divorce and family law, with deep trial experience and a practical ability to resolve cases through negotiation and mediation when that’s the best path forward.
Kathleen is also a frequent media resource—appearing as a guest expert on Nancy Grace’s “Crime Stories” to provide legal perspective on cases that intersect with domestic violence and family dynamics.
Kathleen earned her B.A. in Political Science from NC State University, and built her career through her own practice, The Law Offices of Kathleen Murphy, before joining the Ellis Family Law team.
Outside the office, Kathleen enjoys time with her family—including her husband (a retired Raleigh firefighter), their children and grandchildren—and her beloved companion, Tiger Lily.
If you want experienced guidance, clear direction, and an advocate who has truly seen it all in family court, schedule a consultation with Kathleen and the Ellis Family Law team.
Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
...Tremendously helpful, responsibly aggressive in an advisory capacity. Fortunate to have been referred to Kathleen.
Kathleen and her team are excellent. She is straightforward, professional, and gives honest advice, even when it isn’t what you want to hear. She focuses on your best interests and...
Kathleen and her team are excellent. She is straightforward, professional, and gives honest advice, even when it isn’t what you want to hear. She focuses on your best interests and helps you work through a difficult process. I appreciate her guidance and the team’s support. Highly recommend.
I had a civil matter that two attorneys from different firms had handled very poorly. I engaged the services of Kathleen Murphy at Ellis and she did an exceptional job!...
I had a civil matter that two attorneys from different firms had handled very poorly. I engaged the services of Kathleen Murphy at Ellis and she did an exceptional job! My only regret is I didn’t meet her years ago
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm and the support I have received from Kathleen and her team. Going through a difficult and emotional family law matter...
I cannot say enough good things about this law firm and the support I have received from Kathleen and her team. Going through a difficult and emotional family law matter can be incredibly overwhelming, but having an attorney who is knowledgeable, responsive, honest, and truly listens has made such a difference.
Kathleen has taken the time to understand my situation, answer my questions, explain my options, and help me navigate decisions that I never expected to have to make. I have always felt that my concerns were taken seriously and that I had someone in my corner advocating for me while still giving me realistic and straightforward advice.
The entire office has been professional, compassionate, and helpful throughout the process. When you’re dealing with something that affects your children, your family, and your future, having confidence in the people representing you means everything.
I am extremely grateful for Kathleen and her team and would highly recommend this office to anyone looking for knowledgeable and compassionate representation in a family law matter.
I cannot say enough good things about Kathleen Murphy. Family law cases are incredibly stressful and emotional, and having the right attorney beside you makes all the difference. Kathleen has...
I cannot say enough good things about Kathleen Murphy. Family law cases are incredibly stressful and emotional, and having the right attorney beside you makes all the difference. Kathleen has been knowledgeable, professional, thorough, and incredibly dedicated throughout my case.
What I appreciate most about Kathleen is that she genuinely cares about her clients and the issues that matter to them. She takes the time to understand the details, explains things clearly, and gives straightforward, thoughtful advice. I have always felt that she is prepared, attentive, and truly advocating for my best interests and, most importantly, the best interests of my child.
Kathleen is also someone I trust. She has helped me navigate some very difficult and complicated circumstances with professionalism, patience, and sound judgment. When you are dealing with something as important as your family and your children, that trust means everything.
I am extremely grateful to have Kathleen representing me, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for an experienced, compassionate, and dedicated family law attorney. She is an exceptional attorney and someone I am very thankful to have in my corner.
Kathleen has represented me through my divorce and custody case since November 2022, and I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She has always made both my son...
Kathleen has represented me through my divorce and custody case since November 2022, and I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about her. She has always made both my son and me feel supported and protected throughout the process. She has been incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and patient, and was always there to answer my questions—even when I needed reassurance more than once. I am so grateful to have had Kathleen in my corner and would highly recommend her to anyone needing an attorney they can truly trust.
Ellis Law Firm is the place to go for great representation and resolutions! Kathleen and her team have been with me each step of the way through a very difficult...
Ellis Law Firm is the place to go for great representation and resolutions! Kathleen and her team have been with me each step of the way through a very difficult time! I’m thankful and grateful for them in this season of transition! Thank you!
Grateful beyond words for Kathleen and her team!! They by far met and exceeded my expectations when it came to representation for a super difficult matter that, in the wrong...
Grateful beyond words for Kathleen and her team!! They by far met and exceeded my expectations when it came to representation for a super difficult matter that, in the wrong hands, could have cost my family and I so much more of our peace. In a super scary couple of weeks, they researched everything, supported myself and my children, and educated me on just what options I had. Overall, they ensured that once we finally settled, it was only with the best possible outcome for us all. Even since things have finally settled down, I’ve still received regular communications, as well as, they’ve provided representation and support when additional concerns have come up outside of the courtroom. Kathleen Murphy and Ellis Family Law is 1000% my go-to for NC family law matters. God willing, I won’t need their representation again any time soon but should I ever, I know exactly who my first call will be!
Kathleen Murphy was the second lawyer I hired, and I wish I had found her sooner. She stepped into a case that was already underway, took the time to understand...
Kathleen Murphy was the second lawyer I hired, and I wish I had found her sooner. She stepped into a case that was already underway, took the time to understand it, and got on top of the details quickly. I finally felt like someone knew what was going on and had a plan.
She came to mediation completely prepared. She was honest and straightforward with me about my options, but when it was time to fight for me, she really did. She listened to what mattered to me, made sure my concerns were heard, and helped me get the result I needed. I’m so grateful she was in my corner
Kathleen has done an AMAZING job. In an otherwise terrible situation, Kathleen has kept things moving forward and has been an amazing attorney! She is excellent at keeping up communication,...
Kathleen has done an AMAZING job. In an otherwise terrible situation, Kathleen has kept things moving forward and has been an amazing attorney! She is excellent at keeping up communication, and is a bulldog in the courtroom. I highly recommend Kathleen, she has made an otherwise bad situation very manageable.
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Kathleen Murphy. My family law case has been extremely difficult, complicated, and emotionally overwhelming, and it has not been an easy situation for...
I cannot say enough wonderful things about Kathleen Murphy. My family law case has been extremely difficult, complicated, and emotionally overwhelming, and it has not been an easy situation for anyone to handle. Kathleen has been incredibly patient, professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process.She takes the time to listen, understands the details of the case, and works very hard to protect her client’s interests. During some of the most stressful moments of my life, I felt reassured knowing that Kathleen was representing me and guiding me through each step. What I appreciate most is her strength, dedication, and compassion. She has handled a very challenging case with professionalism and persistence, even when the circumstances became complicated and difficult. I am truly grateful for everything Kathleen has done and continues to do for me and my family. Having the right family law attorney makes such a difference, especially during a difficult time, and I feel very fortunate to have Kathleen on my side. I highly recommend Kathleen Murphy to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, caring, hardworking, and dedicated family law attorney. Thank you so much, Kathleen, for your patience, guidance, support, and commitment. I will always be grateful for everything you have done for us.
Kathleen & Jack at Ellis Family Law represented me in a complex, high-stakes custody matter, and I couldn’t be more grateful for how they handled it. From our first conversation,...
Kathleen & Jack at Ellis Family Law represented me in a complex, high-stakes custody matter, and I couldn’t be more grateful for how they handled it. From our first conversation, Kathleen grasped the nuances of the situation quickly and moved with real urgency when it mattered most. What stood out most was the balance they struck: aggressive when the case called for it, but disciplined and strategic rather than reactive. They prepared thoroughly for various scenarios. Kathleen was also honest with me about what I should and shouldn’t share publicly or informally, which I’ve come to appreciate as sound judgment rather than caution for its own sake. I felt genuinely supported and well-represented throughout a stressful process. If you’re looking for a family law team that’s responsive, sharp, and willing to fight when it counts, I’d recommend Kathleen and Ellis Family Law without hesitation. Thank you Gemini for recommending them when I started my search.
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