William J. Murphy (Rhode Island politician)

William John Murphy (born January 4, 1963) is an American attorney and was a Democratic member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, representing the 26th District from 1993 to 2011. He served as the 221st Speaker of the House from January 7, 2003, to February 11, 2010, when he handed over the gavel to his majority leader, Gordon D. Fox.

Education
He graduated from the University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government in 1985 and from the University of New Hampshire School of Law with a Juris Doctor in 1989.

Legal career
He has practiced law in Providence, Rhode Island with his own law firm Murphy & Fay, LLP.

Political career
He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives representing the 26th District from 1993 to 2011. While in this position he served as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and later Speaker of the House.

He later registered as a lobbyist and has lobbied in both the Rhode Island General Assembly and the Office of the Governor of Rhode Island for groups such as Twin Rivers Casino, the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers and Advance America Cash Advance Centers.

Personal life
He married his wife Stacey on March 26, 1994, at Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick, Rhode Island. They later had two children.