It is with great sadness that Rathje Woodward announces the passing of our colleague and friend, Brian J. Murray, on September 23, 2020.
Brian was a first-rate lawyer. A former law clerk to Justice Antonin Scalia and Judge Diarmuid O’Scannlain (Ninth Circuit), Brian briefed over 100 appeals and personally argued over 30 of them. Brian argued before the United States Supreme Court, nearly every federal court of appeals, and numerous state supreme and intermediate appellate courts. Brian previously chaired the appellate practice group at an AmLaw 10 firm and served as the Deputy to the Associate Attorney General for the United States Department of Justice. His list of accolades and achievements is lengthy and a testament to his skill and focus on public service.
More importantly, Brian was a tremendous person. From the day he joined Rathje Woodward, he was generous in sharing his wisdom and insights. And he was also generous in sharing his wit. Brian was wickedly funny, always quick with a zinger, one-liner, pun, or really bad “dad joke.” We are fortunate to have known and worked with Brian. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.