Semmes, Bowen & Semmes (Baltimore, Maryland) Elects Julie Murray as Chair, Becoming First Woman to Lead Firm in its 138-Year History

Semmes, Bowen & Semmes, one of the oldest and largest full-service law firms in the state of Maryland, is pleased to announce the election of Julie Murray as firm chair, making her the first woman to lead the firm since its founding in 1887. As chair, Murray will oversee the firm’s operations and guide its strategic direction.

“I am deeply honored to be elected by my peers as chair of Semmes, a firm with such a rich history and strong foundation,” Murray said. “I look forward to building on our legacy while embracing new opportunities to serve our clients and the community.”

Murray began her career with the firm as a summer associate while in law school, steadily advancing through the ranks to become a principal and a member of the firm’s management committee before being elected to lead the firm. As chair, she succeeds principal Thomas McCarron, who served in the position for the last seven years.

McCarron commented: “Julie’s election as chair marks an exciting new chapter for Semmes. Her deep understanding of the firm, dedication to our clients, and leadership abilities make her the perfect choice to guide us into the future. I have every confidence in Julie’s vision and her ability to build on our long-standing tradition of excellence. Additionally, I believe it is a testament to the firm’s culture and opportunities for advancement that both Julie and firm vice chair Barry Bernstein began their legal careers at Semmes while in law school.”

At Semmes, Murray is a principal in the firm’s Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability Practice Group, where she represents employers and insurers in the defense of workers’ compensation claims across Maryland and the District of Columbia. She is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience handling cases at all levels, from administrative hearings to appellate courts.

Beyond her legal practice, Murray is committed to advancing the profession. She regularly provides education and training to risk management and insurance professionals, helping them navigate complex claims. She also serves as co-chair of the Maryland Defense Counsel’s Workers’ Compensation Committee and frequently testifies before the Maryland Legislature on behalf of the insurance industry.

Murray earned her law degree, cum laude, from the University of Maryland School of Law. She received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maryland College Park.

About Semmes
Semmes, Bowen & Semmes is one of the oldest and largest full-service law firms in the state of Maryland. Founded in 1887, the firm has more than 50 attorneys serving clients through offices in five locations. The firm represents the interests of a diverse clientele of businesses and individuals in the areas of Corporate & Business, Estate Planning, Labor & Employment, and Litigation, and has the largest private Workers’ Compensation & Employers’ Liability defense practice in the Mid-Atlantic region.