CONWAY - Conway City Attorney Mike Murphy has announced plans to run for circuit judge in the 20th Judicial District.
Murphy, 53, said he will seek the Division 1 seat held since January by H.G. Foster, who plans to run for the 5th Division position in next year’s elections.
“If elected, I pledge to be fair, courteous, diligent and effective in dealing with the public, litigants and the attorneys and staff that work with our judicial system,” Murphy said in a news release.
“The diversity of legal issues I handle every day gives me a unique perspective in applying that range of experience to serving as circuit judge,” he added.
Murphy has been city attorney for more than 22 years. In addition to prosecuting city misdemeanor and ordinance violations in district court, he also represents the city in state and federal lawsuits and appeals and advises city officials and departments on legal issues.
Murphy, who opened a private law practice in 1988, also has worked as a deputy prosecutor for the judicial district, which includes Faulkner, Van Buren and Searcy counties. He also has served as a special judge in municipal and circuit courts and has taught government classes at the University of Central Arkansas. The father of three lives in Conway.
Arkansas, Pages 11 on 10/22/2013