2020 Outstanding Legal Professionals - Murfy Powell

Murfy Powell: Law Week Colorado Outstanding Legal Professional 2020

•    1 of only 5 legal professionals recognized in 2020
•    A dedicated client service expert with “paralegal ESP”
•    Started “Rolled & Mugged” community service initiative serving neighbors in need 

Denver: Law Week Colorado has selected Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell (WTO) paralegal Murfy Powell as one of five Outstanding Legal Professionals of 2020. The newspaper highlights her “paralegal ESP” and her fierce dedication to community service. “It’s the small things that make a difference,” she says, describing her approach to her work and life. 

"Murfy contributes so much to our firm and the legal profession,” said WTO Chairman Mike O’Donnell. “She is deeply dedicated to her role, demonstrates passion for community service, and builds genuine, personal connections with her clients and coworkers. Murfy is truly deserving of this award.” 

The July 20 article chronicles Powell’s path from a West Virginia firm to WTO in 2005. The paper highlights Powell’s willingness to go the extra mile in every aspect of her work, citing her ability to “completely change the direction of a case” with her research skills. In one instance, she helped win summary judgment for a client after uncovering social media posts that discredited the other side’s claims.

The paper also praises Powell’s extensive community service efforts. Last Christmas, for example, she channeled her passion for baking into her “Rolled & Mugged” campaign to deliver homemade cinnamon rolls and coffee to people struggling during the holidays. While Christmas is the “most anticipated day of the year” for many, Powell said, “it also can be the most lonely and devastating day,” something she can relate to firsthand. 

In the middle of a difficult divorce in 2018, Powell was diagnosed with a malignant tumor. But just three months later, doctors told her the tumor was gone. Daily messages from friends and coworkers helped her through this difficult time. “I was given a second chance at this journey called life, and I feel a responsibility to bring smiles to people during difficult times.”

In the era of COVID-19, Murfy has been sewing masks for frontline workers and preparing weekly meals for elderly neighbors. Additionally, she plans to make “Rolled & Mugged” an annual event, adding that “2020 has been a reminder that fences must come down, and conversations at the table can reveal we have more in common than we think.”

Wheeler Trigg O’Donnell lawyers have taken more than 1,100 trials and arbitrations to verdict or award and more than 300 appeals to opinion all across the nation, with exceptional results for our clients. Established in 1998, WTO currently numbers 100 lawyers. The firm represents sophisticated clients in high-stakes civil trials, appeals, and related litigation ranging from complex commercial to class actions to catastrophic torts.