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LIVE MORE LIFE, BE MORE iIRISH

The Big Reveal: Announcing the 2023 iIrish Person of the Year

Table of Contents


Inner View: The Big Reveal:
Announcing the 2023 iIrish Person of the Year, Patrick T. Murphy
By iIrish Publisher, John O’Brien, Jr.

Patrick Murphy is a seasoned, well-known, and well-admired personal injury lawyer.

His counsel is wise, and generously shared with those in need in our community, which ranges from Lake Erie to Éire and the Diaspora everywhere.

Time and again Patrick has been recognized as one of the top personal injury lawyers in his field. We have sought his counsel, benefited from his advice, and are proud to have his friendship.

That said, that is only a small part of who Pat is. I do not ever remember not knowing him, though I am sure such time existed. Irish events, milestones, fun times, and great stories he has shared with us in person and in print, remain in my and countless others mind’s eye, even as more stories are added to the memory bank.

We are often defined by what we do professionally. As big as that is, maybe even more so because of the quality of representation Dworken & Bernstein firm’s offers, their reputation, and their long-time commitment to helping others in very tangible and impactful ways, there is much more to the picture of who and what Pat is.  He shines brightly in times of darkness for people.

Then he goes home and does it again, for family, friends and his communities, including our Irish one. Despite knowing him as long as I have, I am still amazed by him, and what he does, with that trademark glint in his eye – often the only hint that he is pulling your leg. 

Professional Resume

Dworken & Bernstein is an award-winning, full-service law firm, serving generations of families & businesses for more than sixty years. Under the aegis of Ohio Lawyers Give Back, Dworken & Bernstein has been responsible for the distribution of over $50 million to many deserving communal organizations since 2003.

Mr. Murphy received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Kent State University. He was awarded his law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law, where he was a vice chairman of the Moot Court Board of Governors.

Pat has been designated as an Ohio Super Lawyer and one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers organization. In 2007, he was selected as a finalist for Trial Lawyer of the Year by Public Justice for his efforts in obtaining a $52 million class action judgment for injured workers against the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubble. Patrick has also been honored as a member of the Irish Legal 100 and was selected as a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He is recognized as a member of both the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Patrick is an active member in many trial organizations, including Cleveland Academy of Trial Lawyers; Ohio Association for Justice; American Association for Justice; and the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group.

Pat has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Heart Association in Cleveland and as an officer and trustee of Cleveland’s West Side Irish American Club. He has served as Executive Director of Cleveland’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade committee and is a founding member, trustee and officer of the Irish American Law Society of Cleveland.

Legend

Pat enjoys spending time with his family, golf and travel, especially to his native Ireland. He is intensely involved in the Cleveland Irish Community, having served as an officer in many organizations. Pat is proud of having served as the Executive Director of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, organized the publication of a book chronicling the 175 Year History of the Cleveland parade and chairing an Irish American Law Symposium in Ireland in 2016 and 2022.

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine
(It is in each other’s shadow that people live)

Whelp, that’s enough about the integrity and humanity inside Pat, from me. Those that know Pat professionally, and personally, have much to say too:

“In addition to being an excellent attorney and a stellar human being, Patrick Murphy Esq.  has long been recognized as a leader in Cleveland’s Irish community. Pat is the embodiment of the Irish people’s love of justice, fairness, and equality under the law for everyone”
          – Justice Michael P. Donnelly | Supreme Court of Ohio 

Irish American Law Society of Cleveland – Kings Inns, Dublin                         Photographer: 1IMAGE/Bryan Brophy 1image.ie
Pat with Lord Mayor of Cork Deirdre Forde
Pat with Lord Mayor of Cork Deirdre Forde and Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor

Pat Murphy is an excellent attorney, however there is another dimension to this man. Pat is a leader among Cleveland’s Irish legal community. Pat is a moving force behind the Irish American Law Society of Cleveland’s symposia which have taken place in Ireland. The most recent having taken place in September of 2022.  Without Pat’s quiet leadership, organization, and ability to draw people together on both sides of the Atlantic, our legal organization would not have enjoyed the success of these symposia.  For those of us who travelled to Dublin and Cork with the IALS of Cleveland it was evident that Pat was ‘at home’ whether in The Four Courts in Dublin or in a pub listening to traditional music.  Pat is proud of his heritage, and he is truly the epitome of what it is to be an Irish American.  
         – Retired Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor 

I have had the pleasure of working with Pat through our affiliation with the Irish American Law Society.  Pat is truly a man of his word- when he says he will do something he does it- with hard work, integrity, and grace. His work ethic is only outdone by his kindness and generosity. I will forever treasure the camaraderie, adventure and education that Pat was instrumental in providing in my first trip to Ireland.      
           – Judge Laura Gallagher

One of Ireland’s native sons, who we are fortunate to have in our legal profession and as a member of our community as a whole. 
          – Justice Melody Stewart

Carlene & Pat Murphy


Congratulations, Pat! This is such an honor and I’m so happy for you. You’re involved in so many things, but it’s always family first for you. It’s fun to watch you do it all. Love, Carlene (Pat’s spouse of 34 years). 

Congratulations, Dad! Your dedication, work ethic and your commitment to helping others has always been a great example for us.
We love all of the wonderful traditions that you have created for our family. We always look forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with you and watching Celtic games, but you also make everyday events so fun. Your love of family is always evident, whether through your contagious laughter or your proud smile while watching grandchildren’s events.
We are so lucky that you are our Dad. We love you.  – Kelly, Kurt, Tim, Sam and Dan 

One of my earliest memories was the March night my brother Patrick was born in my grandmother’s house in Polranny, on Achill Sound.  He made a big impression then, and he has never stopped.  Patrick is everything you’d want a brother to be: he is a leader, straight-talking, thoughtful, kind, humorous and hard-working. 
It has been a privilege to see how he has used those attributes for the good of the communities outside our family as well.  He has dedicated himself to the service of the greater Cleveland Irish American community.  He is an effective, compassionate, and ethical member of the legal profession.  Patrick is utterly reliable in all of those roles and Jeff and I are proud and delighted to congratulate him on receiving this recognition.  
                     – Christine and Jeff Pierpont

Pat with The Grandkids. Photo by Becca Rohr, Rohr with me Photography rohrwithmephotography.com

Patrick has earned this honor by virtue of his lifelong commitment and dedication to the Irish community, both locally and internationally. From his involvement in organizations such as WSIA, Irish American Law Society and the UIS parade committee to his love and fellowship of the Irish culture, Patrick’s hard work and leadership shine through.
Remarkably, this devotion is yet exceeded by that which he has to his profession, friends and, most especially, his family. Thank you for all that you do and for being a lifelong friend!
Comhghairdeas!
                    – brother Michael Murphy

“Patrick is the most reliable person you will ever meet. No matter how big or small a problem, Pat can always be counted on to be part of the solution. You would be hard-pressed to find a more genuinely kind and compassionate person than Patrick Murphy. Our parents would be so proud, as are his siblings, at this honor. Congratulations, Pat!”
            – Katie Rath, Mel and Teresa Murphy

Pat!  A well-deserved reward, given your dedication and commitment to the Irish community which you have served in so many ways. Mom and Dad would have been so proud, as are we. Love,  
            – Ryan, Maggie (Murphy), Abbey and Ted Donahue

Photo by Becca Rohr, Rohr with me Photography https://rohrwithmephotography.com

Pat Murphy is a lifelong member of the West Side Irish American Club, an incredible asset to the club and its members. He attends every meeting and is always forthcoming with information from the United Irish Societies. He voices his opinions on other pressing matters and his logistical and legal knowledge makes his contributions always appreciated, and invaluable.   – Kevin McDonough, Trustee

For many years now Pat has been a consistent presence with the United Irish Societies of Greater Cleveland and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.  He loves the Parade, and we are all so very lucky to be able to turn to him for legal guidance, historical perspectives and friendship.  I’ve known Pat for over thirty years – he is kind, approachable and takes great pride in promoting the Irish culture in Cleveland.  Pat was instrumental in coordinating the efforts to publish the history of our Parade for the 175th Anniversary and continues to support and guide the Parade Committee in putting on the best parade possible.
          – Linda M. Carney, Executive Director:
               United Irish Societies of Greater Cleveland and The Greater Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Pat has been an integral member of the United Irish Societies St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for many years, serving first as a delegate, then a deputy director, then as the parades Executive Director from 2011-2013, and currently as a Director Emeritus. Throughout the years and to this day, the committee has come to depend on Pat’s knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help when needed. 
Pat’s love of his Irish heritage is exemplified not only by his dedication and promotion of Cleveland’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, but Cleveland’s Irish community as a whole. He is devoted to his faith, his family and his heritage; he is “One of the Good Guys.”
          – Bonnie & Mickey McNally

 Congratulations to Pat on receiving this well-deserved recognition! Pat’s dedication to his family, his work, and his Irish heritage is second to none. His involvement with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Thomas J. Scanlon Irish American Law Society of Cleveland, and the WSIA are examples of his commitment to the Cleveland Irish community. Pat is a true gentleman, a great friend, and we couldn’t be more excited for him.  
          – Jim & Sue Kilbane

To know Pat is to love him! He is always quick to lend a hand, offer a listening ear, or fill your pint. He is a dedicated friend and family man who radiates kindness and generosity. Pat Murphy makes the world a better place. – the Brooks, Van Oosten, Rosfelder, and Brian families

We are so happy to hear that Pat Murphy is awarded the iIrish Person of the year, what a perfect selection, so well deserved.  When we think of Pat the word that comes to mind is dedication.  Dedication to his family, his friends, his career and his culture. This being said, he never takes himself too seriously and is always “good for the craic.”
We are blessed to call Pat our very dear friend.
            – Kathleen & Brian McNamara

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