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Erin K. Murphy

By: dmc-admin//August 30, 2010//

Erin K. Murphy

By: dmc-admin//August 30, 2010//

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ImageErin K. Murphy’s journey toward practicing immigration law began with a year of teaching special education classes in Quito, Ecuador.

After graduating with a degree in education and rehabilitational psychology, she found The Working Boys’ Center, a volunteer program founded by Rev. John Halligan and run by the Jesuits.

“It ended up being the best year of my life,” she said.
While in Ecuador, she realized that she wanted to practice immigration law. Working with people who were so impoverished was an eye-opening experience for her. She was touched by seeing how important the meager support of family members working in the United States could be to their lives.

Her desire to help has taken her to the Grzeca Law Groups’ Family/Deportation Practice Group, where she works on immigration issues. She splits her time between Madison, where she manages the branch office, and Milwaukee. Much of her practice is dedicated to helping immigrant victims of domestic violence or other crimes.

She also volunteers at the immigration clinic at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.

“It offers a great resource for the community where people can come and get free advice from competent attorneys,” she said.

What song is on heavy rotation on your iPod?

“Swept Away,” by the Avett Brothers.

If you hadn’t become a lawyer, what would you have done?

Teacher.

What was the worst U.S. Supreme Court opinion?

Korematsu v. United States, 323 U.S. 214 (1944).

Who is your favorite fictional hero?

Kate Austen (“Lost”).

What do you consider to be the most overrated virtue?

Moderation.

What is your favorite website and why?

www.newyorktimes.com. It is my most trusted place to find the news, but also, on Sundays, has one of my favorite columns, “Modern Love.”

What is the first concert you went to?

The Bangles.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Boating at sunset.

Which living person do you most admire?

Father John Halligan, S.J.

How many countries have you visited?

18.

Which ones?

Spain, Italy, England, Germany, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Brazil, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, Chile, Ireland, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, Canada.

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