James Murphy: A Lifetime of Service in Saratoga Honored

BALLSTON SPA — A ceremony celebrating James Murphy’s decades of service to the community was held at the Saratoga County Court complex in Ballston Spa Feb. 7.   

Murphy retired in December as Saratoga County Court Judge and Acting Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, after 10 years of service.

Draped in black judicial robes, Murphy was gracious with his comments toward all who packed into the courtroom and came to celebrate him, as well as those who played a role alongside his development. Included among the list were teams of court attorneys and secretaries, county workers and court system members past and present, justices, and his wife and two daughters.  

“I take a minute to say all of those things because every single one of those people have meant so much to me,” Murphy said, as 12 justices wearing black robes looked on from their seats in the jury box. Several dozen other people filled the public gallery of the Saratoga County Supreme Court Courthouse.     

During the ceremony, Murphy also singled out for gratitude Saratoga County Bar Association President and Saratoga Springs City Court Judge Francine Vero “for her leadership of the bar association and her generosity in commissioning this portrait and organizing such a meaningful unveiling ceremony,” as well as NYS Court of Claims Judge Kate Hogan “for her years of friendship and support throughout my career.” The Saratoga County Bar Association sponsored the ceremony. 

Prior to his election to the bench, Murphy served 25 years as a prosecutor – elected to the post of Saratoga County District Attorney in 1997 and re-elected to subsequent 4-year terms in 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013.

“The first minute I met Kate, I knew that I had found a friend. You know how some people you just click with? She was that person for me, and that was many, many years ago,” Murphy said of Hogan. ‘We shared lots of discussions about lots of cases – sticky situations, how do we do this? What are your suggestions? We lobbied the legislature for meaningful justice reform,” he added. “Judging can be an isolating event. You only really have your core attorney to discuss cases with – and it’s nice to have somebody else to bounce things off. When Kate joined the bench and became a member of the judiciary, it was wonderful for me. When asked who I wanted to unveil the portrait with me, Kate Hogan was the only answer. She’s like family.”  

Together, they lifted the blue draperies covering the free-standing frame and revealed the portrait of Murphy. 

“I Just want to say…I don’t think my head is actually that big!” he quipped, eyeballing the portrait, his commentary met with much laughter. The portrait will be displayed in the Saratoga County Courthouse, joining the esteemed ranks of past jurists who have shaped the Court’s history. 

“This portrait is not just a personal honor but a tribute to the institution we serve. Serving the people of the state of New York and Saratoga County has been the privilege of a lifetime. I have worked alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people – many of whom are here today and all committed to making our community better always remembering service above self,” said Murphy as he begins the next chapter of his life with Behan Communications, Inc., helping to oversee business development efforts and working directly with crisis communication and public affairs clients.

“I’m honored that my portrait will hang in the courtroom where I spent so many years as D.A. and as judge. And I hope, when you see this oversized head looking down at you – you’ll know I’m right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on as you continue to do the great work you do. “