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John G. Murphy

National Managing Partner and CEO

Montréal
Toronto
JMurphy@blg.com
514.954.3155

Expertise

John is National Managing Partner and CEO of BLG.

John has spent his entire legal career at BLG as a leading lawyer with a successful practice advising a wide variety of clients in the construction industry or involved in major infrastructure projects.

Throughout that time, he has also held significant leadership positions within the firm, including as member of the Partnership Board, the National Management Committee and as the Managing Partner of the Montréal office for over 11 years.

He has also demonstrated success as a dynamic business leader, served as a strategic advisor to some of BLG’s longstanding clients and promoted commitment to the community through his involvement with several boards and organizations.

John provides legal services through a Law Corporation.

Experience

  • Signature on the Saint Lawrence Construction G.P. Advising the Construction Consortium (SSLC) in its claim for additional compensation and delay as the construction of the New Champlain Bridge in Montreal, Québec was being performed, 2017 and 2018.
  • Danny’s Construction Company Inc., National Union Fire Company of Pittsburgh, PA vs Birdair Inc. and Canadian General Insurance Company. Advising DCCI in its seminal court action for delay and cost overruns incurred during the replacement of the Montreal Olympic Stadium roof. Claim granted by Court of Appeal in 2010.
  • Walsh & Brais inc. et Sabrice Ltée c. Montréal Urban Community. Advising the Contractor WBS in its court action involving the cancellation of its contract, differing soil conditions, delays and cost overruns as well as the Owner’s obligation to respond to situation. Claim granted by Court of Appeal 2000, leave to Supreme Court of Canada denied. 

Beyond Our Walls

Professional Involvement

  • President, Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, 2021-2022
  • Fellow, Canadian College of Construction Lawyers, 2014-present
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association, Construction Law Section
  • Regional Managing Partner and Member, BLG National Management Committee, 2006-17
  • Regional Managing Partner and Chair, Regional Management Committee (Montréal Office), 2006-17
  • Member of the BLG’s Partnership Board, 2004 -14, and Chair of BLG’s Partnership Board, 2006

Community Involvement

  • Member of the Board and honourary secretary, Beaconsfield Golf Club, 2021-present
  • Member of the Board Pillars Trust Fund Inc., 2013-2021
  • Member of the Board of Adaptive Sports Foundation, 2015-2019
  • Member of the Board, 21CCC, 2015-2018
  • Member of the Board, Catholic Action Montréal, 2016-2019
  • Member of the Board, Sacred Heart School of Montréal, 2008-2016

Awards & Recognitions

  • Recognized in the 2025 edition (and since 2008) of Best Lawyers in Canada® (Construction Law)
  • Recognized in the 2024 edition (and since 2015) of The Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (Construction Law)
  • Recognized in the 2024 (since 2020), 2018 and 2017 editions of Benchmark Canada – The Definitive Guide to Canada’s Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys as a Local Litigation Star: Québec and a Litigation Star: General Commercial, Product Liability
  • Recognized in the 2024 edition (and since 2020) of The Lexpert®/ROB Special Edition on Canada’s Leading Infrastructure Lawyers

Bar Admission & Education

  • Québec, 1990
  • Certificate, Harvard Law School Executive Program, 2020 Sector Leadership Master Class
  • Certificate, Institute of Corporate Directors, 2013
  • Certificate, Harvard Law School Executive Program, 2010 Leadership in Law Firms
  • LLB, Université de Sherbrooke, 1989
  • B.Comm, McGill University, 1986