As Phillips Murrah celebrates 40 years of service, we’re highlighting the people whose work has helped shape the firm along the way. In this 40 for 40 profile, we spotlight Cindy Murray and the perspective she brings to her role and to the firm’s culture.
Cindy pursued a career in law because she wanted something interesting that would let her make a decent living for her kids. Even though she ended up staying right here in Oklahoma, she also wanted a job she could practice anywhere.
She maintained an of counsel relationship with Phillips Murrah for years while practicing with her father. When he became ill, she met with several other firms to discuss affiliation, but many felt centered on a good old boy dynamic, and none had a single female lawyer in a leadership role. Phillips Murrah’s inclusivity mattered deeply to her, and she was not willing to walk away from the relationships she had built.
What Cindy finds most meaningful is solving problems and putting all the pieces of a puzzle together to find an answer that achieves the client’s objectives. A defining moment came early in her career, during her first billion-dollar transaction, the refinancing of a coal-fired power plant. She had not originally been slated to close the deal, but stepped in when her father fell ill. She was not only the youngest at the closing but also the only woman among about 20 participants ranging from New York and California, all strong personalities. It was intimidating, but it felt tremendous to get it done. She knew the client was thrilled, and she relieved some pressure from her father when he needed it.
Ask Cindy what she values most about Phillips Murrah, and she will tell you it comes down to inclusivity and culture, two qualities she considers inseparable. The longer Cindy has been with the firm, the more the team atmosphere has taken hold. As of counsel, particularly when working outside the office, it can be easy to feel disconnected from that sense of inclusion, which is why she has enjoyed her expanded role with the firm since 2019. Outside of work, her kids keep her grounded and inspired. Watching them grow into wonderful young men is everything to her.
Follow our year-long anniversary celebration by visiting our 40th Anniversary page and connecting with us on social media using the links below. We look forward to sharing what’s next.
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