EP 93: Kellen Murphy and Chris Murphy of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP

In this episode, Christian Giordano sits down with Chris and Kellen Murphy, Founding Partners of Murphy Schiller & Wilkes LLP, for a conversation about commercial real estate, land use, entrepreneurship, and the evolving role of AI in the legal profession.Together, they discuss what it takes to move complex projects forward, from assembling the right team and navigating land use approvals to the growing politics surrounding data centers. Chris and Kellen also share how they built their Newark-based firm together, why relationships and emotional intelligence remain critical in the practice of law, and where they see AI creating new opportunities for the industry.https://www.murphyllp.com/Episode highlights:(3:04) Why the Murphy brothers’ business partnership works(11:54) How architects can give stronger planning board presentations(16:19) Politics, zoning, and getting development projects approved(28:25) Contracts, retainers, and getting paid as an architect(33:22) How tax credits and gap financing work(40:49) What is happening in the commercial real estate market(45:15) How MSW grew from zero clients into a major real estate law firm(51:22) Local attorneys versus statewide real estate law firms(1:00:30) How AI is changing law and architecture