John Murtagh has practiced at the intersection of law and government in Westchester County for over twenty-five years. John began his career with an international law firm based in Manhattan before establishing his own practice in White Plains, the county seat of Westchester County, twenty-five years ago.
John represents businesses, individuals and government agencies in a variety of legal disputes and transactional matters. John’s municipal clients have included the County of Putnam, County of Westchester, the Cities of Poughkeepsie and New Rochelle, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Yonkers Municipal Housing Authority. Today, John’s practice focuses on representing clients in civil litigation and in matters of government, municipal affairs and election law.
For eight years John served as a City Councilman in Yonkers, New York State’s fourth largest city. During his tenure, John chaired the Council’s Real Estate and Economic Development, Municipal Operations and Environmental Committees and, for two years, served as the Council Minority Leader. Under John’s leadership, the Council reviewed several of the largest development projects in Westchester County history including the redevelopment and rezoning of Yonkers main business district. As a first term Councilman John drafted what the New York Times called New York State’s “toughest” government ethics code. A 2008 candidate for the New York State Senate, in 2011 John was the Republican candidate for Mayor in Yonkers.
John is a Board member of the Bronx River Conservancy and formerly served on the Boards of the Hudson River Valley Environmental Education Institute and the Westchester-Putnam Boy Scouts of America.
John was previously an Adjunct Professor of Public Policy at Fordham University and has been a guest commentator on the Sean Hannity Show, The Greta Van Sustren Show, National Public Radio and numerous local and national television and radio programs. John regularly provides commentary on legal and government affairs for NEWS12 Westchester and hosts a weekly current affairs program on WVOX 1460AM. John has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, the Journal News and City Journal.
Representative Cases:
Successfully argued to overturn illegal legislative action approving a multi-million dollar rezoning of the then largest undeveloped parcel in southern Westchester at the trial and appellate court levels.
Defeated claims for specific performance of a real estate contract by a corporation found to have defrauded an elderly land owner.
Won dismissal at trial of federal civil rights claims against four police officers accused of wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and brutality.
Successfully defended a New York City manufacturer and its President against a multi-count indictment for alleged environmental crimes.
Won recovery at trial of pension and stock rights for one of the owner/ officers of a closely held family distribution and wholesale business.