Sara A. Murphy

Sara A. Murphy: Experienced Commercial Litigation and Class Action Defense Attorney in Portland, Maine

Sarah A. Murphy is a seasoned attorney dedicated to complex commercial litigation and class action defense. With her expertise spanning various industries including financial services, energy, pulp and paper, insurance, and professional services, she handles disputes related to breach of contract, unfair trade practices, RICO claims, and other business-related torts.

Practice Areas

• Commercial Litigation
• Litigation - Banking and Finance
• Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Sara Murphy dedicates significant pro bono legal services to represent CASA guardians ad litem in complex child protection cases, a role that has been recognized by the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. She currently serves as a member of the Maine CASA Advisory Panel and was appointed by the court to serve as a commissioner for the Maine Civil Legal Services Fund.

Her diverse range of experiences at Pierce Atwood LLP includes significant involvement in both state appellate litigation and federal trial litigation, gained during her time as law clerks for esteemed judges. Before joining Pierce Atwood, she honed her legal skills through various roles including a student attorney position at the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic advocating for children in juvenile justice systems.

Recognized by Best Attorney USA, Sara Murphy has been recognized annually since 2026 in Commercial Litigation and more specific areas such as Litigation - Banking and Finance and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants. She was also named a New Lawyer Award recipient from the Maine Justice Foundation and a 'Rising Star' for Business Litigation by Super Lawyers.

Sara A. Murphy focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and class action defense, representing clients from diverse industries including financial services, energy, pulp and paper, insurance, and professional services. She handles disputes related to breach of contract, unfair trade practices, RICO claims, and other business-related torts.

Sara also tackles cases involving civil conspiracy, consumer fraud, insurance coverage issues, and defends lawyers and law firms against professional malpractice allegations. Her commitment extends beyond the courtroom as she continues her pro bono work for CASA guardians ad litem in complex child protection cases and supports Maine’s legal system through her role with the Maine Civil Legal Services Fund.

Recognized Recognized: Commercial Litigation, Recognized: Commercial Litigation - 2025, Recognized: Litigation - Banking and Finance - 2025, Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants - 2025, Recognized: Commercial Litigation - 2024, Recognized: Litigation - Banking and Finance - 2024, Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants - 2024, Recognized: Commercial Litigation - 2023, Recognized: Litigation - Banking and Finance - 2023, Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants - 2023, Recognized: Commercial Litigation - 2022, Recognized: Litigation - Banking and Finance - 2022, Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants - 2022, Recognized: Commercial Litigation - 2021, Recognized: Litigation - Banking and Finance - 2021, Recognized: Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants - 2021

Before joining Pierce Atwood LLP, Sara gained invaluable insights into state appellate litigation and federal trial litigation. She served as a law clerk for the Honorable Chief Justice Leigh I. Saufley of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and subsequently as a law clerk for the Honorable D. Brock Hornby of the United States District Court for the District of Maine.

Prior to her legal career, Sara sought out diverse experiences as a student attorney at the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic where she advocated for children in juvenile justice systems, served as the Symposium Editor of the Maine Law Review, and worked with experienced trial attorneys on civil and criminal cases. She also clerked for the District Court in Portland, Maine.

At Pierce Atwood LLP, Sara has represented clients from various industries including financial services, energy, pulp and paper, insurance, and professional services in complex commercial litigation and class action defense matters. Her experience spans both state appellate litigation and federal trial work, providing her with a well-rounded perspective on the legal landscape.

Sara’s commitment to public service is exemplified by her pro bono representation of CASA guardians ad litem in complex child protection cases and her involvement as a commissioner for the Maine Civil Legal Services Fund. These efforts demonstrate her dedication to supporting the justice system beyond traditional practice areas.

As a recognized attorney with extensive experience in commercial litigation, Sara A. Murphy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to represent clients across various industries facing complex legal challenges. Her diverse skill set enables her to provide comprehensive and effective legal representation tailored to each client's unique needs.