Public Counsel eNews

Board Spotlight: Chris Murphy

“Public Counsel just makes things better,” says Public Counsel board of directors member, Chris Murphy. “In trying to keep up with current events and being a reasonably well-informed citizen, I sometimes find that a steady diet of newspapers periodicals, NPR, and blogs leaves me in a state of despair that the morass of partisan bickering and fear mongering will drown out rational, progressive solutions to important issues."

“But", he continued, "when I focus on the passion and dedication of Public Counsel and the support they have provided to thousands of children, youth, adults, and community organizations,” says Chris, “it reminds me that the world changes one person at a time.”

“Chris Murphy is one of those people who is committed to progress and change,” says Dan Grunfeld, Public Counsel’s CEO and President. “Chris has been a trailblazing example of the impact in-house counsel can have on nonprofit law firms like Public Counsel. Chris’ enthusiasm for public interest work and for our mission of service to the poor really stands out and is leading the way for the legal staff of large and small corporations to extend their expertise to the nonprofit sector where it’s so needed.”

Chris Murphy is the Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, and Associate General Counsel at DIRECTV, Inc. As the head of the litigation, fraud, and anti-piracy group, Chris oversees the litigation and provides advice on a wide variety of issues, including contract disputes, consumer protection and fraud. He also handles inquiries from the FTC and states’ attorneys general.

“Chris is deeply committed to the work of Public Counsel and our mission of providing equal access to justice under law,” says Karlene Goller, vice-chairperson of Public Counsel’s board of directors. “He understands that our clients are facing the most desperate of circumstances and that there is no where else they can turn to for help and assistance with their most critical needs. We are deeply grateful for all the passion Chris brings to his role on our board and for his tremendous efforts on our behalf.”

But it’s a total love fest between Chris Murphy and Public Counsel as Chris insists that it is Public Counsel who has the passion. “I’ve met some of the clients and volunteers at Public Counsel and I know the staff,” says Chris, “and it is abundantly clear to me that when Public Counsel helps, their clients lead safer, more productive lives and that, because of their work, the world becomes a better place for all of us.”