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Attorneys
Murphy, Burns, Barber & Murphy, LLP Our attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the advice and advocacy you need, as well as the service you deserve. Our lawyers have diverse backgrounds and broad practical experience in a variety of legal fields. This diversity of knowledge and experience is what allows us to offer such wide-ranging services. Our entire staff of attorneys and support personnel works together to serve you. When you work with us you receive not only the services of your lawyer, but also the services of a team of dedicated and talented professionals.
Mr. Burns received a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1984. He received a law degree from Vermont Law School in South Royalton, Vermont in 1987. Prior to founding the Firm, Mr. Burns practiced with the law firm of DeGraff, Foy, Holt-Harris & Mealey, LLP in Albany. Mr. Burns was admitted to the Bars of New York State in 1988, the United States District Court, Northern District of New York in 1988, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1998, and the United States Supreme Court in 2005. To learn more about James J. Burns, read his attorney biography here.
Mr. Barber received a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, summa cum laude, from the State University of New York at Albany in 1983, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He received a law degree, cum laude, from Albany Law School in 1986, where he was a member of the law review. Prior to founding of the Firm, Mr. Barber practiced with the law firm of DeGraff, Foy, Holt-Harris & Mealey, LLP in Albany. Before entering private practice, Mr. Barber was a Law Clerk to the Hon. Con. G. Cholakis, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York and a trial attorney with the Department of Justice, Civil Division, in Washington, D.C. Mr. Barber was admitted to the bars of New York State in 1987, the United States District Court, Northern District of New York in 1988, the United States Court of Federal Claims in 1988, the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in 1988, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1992 and the United States Supreme Court in 2005. To learn more about Peter G. Barber, read his attorney biography here.
Mr. Murphy received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Siena College of Loudonville, New York in 1988. He received a law degree from Albany Law School in 1991. Prior to founding the Firm, Mr. Murphy practiced with The Murphy Law Firm, P.C. and was an Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Albany. Mr. Murphy has lectured at various continuing legal education seminars. Mr. Murphy was admitted to the bars of New York State in 1992, the United States District Court, Northern District of New York in 1992 and Western District of New York in 2003, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in 1998, and the United States Supreme Court in 2005. To learn more aboutThomas K. Murphy, read his attorney biography here.
Ms. Barber received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance, cum laude, from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1982. She received a law degree, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1986. Prior to entering private practice, Ms. Barber was a Law Clerk to the Hon. Juan C. Burciaga, U.S. District Court for New Mexico, and a trial attorney with the Department of Justice, Civil Division, in Washington, D.C. Ms. Barber was admitted to the bars of New Mexico in 1986, the District of Columbia in 1992, and New York State in 1992. She is also admitted to practice before the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. To learn more about Catherine A. Barber, read her attorney biography here.
Ms. Thayer received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, magna cum laude from Wheaton College, in Norton, Massachusetts in 1985. She received a law degree from Albany Law School of Union University, Albany, New York in 1988. Prior to joining the Firm as Of Counsel, she was a sole practitioner for six years. Before establishing her own practice, she was in-house counsel for a private not for profit institution, as well as in-house counsel for a state agency, and an associate with a small Albany firm. Ms. Thayer was admitted to the Bars of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts n 1988, New York State in 1989, and US District Court of the Northern District of New York in 1989. To learn more about Janet M. Thayer, read her attorney biography here. William J. Murphy has over 50 years of trial and appellate experience in all Courts of New York State, including extensive experience in the New York Court of Claims where he has successfully litigated numerous claims on behalf of highway and building construction contractors. Mr. Murphy has served as an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association and has represented clients in numerous arbitration proceedings. Mr. Murphy has also served as a member of the City of Albany Planning Board. Mr. Murphy is associated with the Firm as Senior Counsel. Mr. Murphy received a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Siena College in Loudonville, New York in 1948. He received a law degree (L.L.B., J.D.), cum laude, from Albany Law School in 1950 where he was a member of the Law Review Board of Editors and the Justinian Society. Prior to his position as Senior Counsel with the Firm, Mr. Murphy had founded The Murphy Law Firm, P.C. Mr. Murphy was admitted to the Bars of New York State in 1950, and is admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Northern District of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. To learn more about William J. Murphy, read his attorney biography here. If you would like to discuss how we can serve you, your municipality, or your business, do not hesitate to contact us. Murphy, Burns, Barber & Murphy, LLP | |              |
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James J. Burns is an experienced trial and appellate attorney who has been defending municipalities and school districts in negligence and law enforcement litigation throughout New York State, in both state and Federal courts during his entire legal career. Mr. Burns has also defended clients in automobile, labor law and wrongful death actions, as well as injured victims in personal injury litigation. Mr. Burns has represented land developers and interested citizen groups before municipal planning and zoning boards and litigated disputes arising out of the decisions rendered by the municipal boards. Mr. Burns has lectured at continuing legal education seminars and other public forums. 
Peter G. Barber is a trial attorney with experience in many substantive areas, including commercial litigation, personal injury litigation, appellate practice, municipal law, and land use and zoning. Mr. Barber also represents physicians and nurses in matters with the Board of Regents, Public Health Council, and Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Mr. Barber is a former local zoning board chairman and has lectured on zoning and land use matters at continuing legal education and chamber of commerce gatherings.
Thomas K. Murphy is a trial attorney with extensive experience representing law enforcement officials, municipalities and their employees in state and Federal actions and appeals. Mr. Murphy also provides counsel and representation to clients in the areas of Business and Commercial Law, Construction Law, Personal Injury and Products Liability.
Catherine A. Barber is an attorney with experience in civil and criminal appeals, municipal law, commercial litigation, construction law, and employment matters. Ms. Barber is also a professional violinist and represents clients in the performing arts. She is a member of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 14. Ms. Barber is Of Counsel to the firm.
Janet M. Thayer is an experienced attorney practicing in the areas of trusts and estates, elder law, commercial and residential real estate, and business law. She has worked with individuals to meet their estate planning needs, including the elderly, as well as settling trusts and estates. Ms. Thayer has handled a number of guardianship cases commenced under Mental Hygiene Law Article 81, including acting as court evaluator, assigned counsel for the alleged incapacitated person, and guardian, as well as the petitioner's counsel. Ms. Thayer has also represented both sellers and purchasers in residential real estate transactions, and individuals and businesses in commercial real estate transactions, sales, purchases and leases. She has also taught as an adjunct lecturer at two local colleges, and she has lectured at continuing legal education seminars and other public forums.