Biden nominates Worcester attorney Brian Murphy to be federal judge in Mass.

Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the position that Murphy was being nominated to fill.

President Joe Biden announced Wednesday that he has selected Brian E. Murphy, a Worcester-based criminal defense attorney, to be a judge of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Born in Columbia, Maryland, Murphy received his bachelor's degree at College of the Holy Cross in 2002 and graduated from Columbia Law School in 2006.

Murphy started his legal career as a public defender in Worcester. He is a founding partner at Murphy & Rudolf LLP in Worcester, which he has run since 2011. The firm is headquartered in the downtown office building known as the Glass Tower at 446 Main St.

Before founding his firm, Murphy was an associate at the Boston firm Todd & Weld LLP from 2009 to 2011.

Murphy's focus has been criminal defense in state and federal courts. He also supervises on civil and criminal matters.

In addition to his legal practice, Murphy previously served as a bar advocate supervisor for the Worcester County Bar Advocates and as an officer of the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

According to his biography at the Murphy & Rudolf website, Murphy has a special focus on white-collar offenses, drunk driving allegations, violent crimes, postconviction and appellate advocacy, and some civil matters.

Murphy is married to Lynsey Heffernan, a Shrewsbury School Committee member.

Murphy's nomination requires approval from the U.S. Senate.

U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts said Murphy came highly recommended to the senators by the Advisory Committee on Massachusetts Judicial Nominations, which solicits applications for Massachusetts federal district court vacancies and makes recommendations to senators.

In a statement, Warren and Markey praised Murphy's commitment to protecting constitutional rights.

“Brian Murphy has fought throughout his career to protect and uphold fundamental constitutional rights of all Americans. It’s a testament to Murphy’s respect for our system of justice that he got his start as a public defender in Worcester, giving him a critical perspective in the courtroom," the statement read. "His extensive experience as a public defender, as an attorney leading a small firm, and as an active member of bar associations across the commonwealth make him an extraordinarily well-qualified nominee. We are confident that his years of experience and commitment to working towards justice for all will make him a valuable addition to the Massachusetts District Court, and we strongly support his nomination.”

Murphy could not immediately be reached for comment.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester attorney Brian Murphy nominated to be federal judge in Mass.