Shaye Murphy is a dedicated advocate for the wrongfully injured and society’s most vulnerable. As an associate at Rapoport Sims Perry & VanOverloop, he represents individuals and families in aviation, product liability, medical malpractice, and wrongful death cases. He approaches each matter with the conviction that every client deserves a fearless champion – combining tenacity, empathy, and an unwavering work ethic to deliver powerful advocacy.
Shaye’s lifelong commitment to justice forms the foundation of his legal career. Raised in the Chicago area, he has always been driven by values of social equity and protecting the “little guy”—those without a voice—principles that led him to the practice of law. He is especially passionate about holding major corporations and institutions accountable when their negligence harms the vulnerable, motivated by the opportunity to restore hope and responsibility through civil litigation.
Before joining the firm, Shaye devoted nearly all of law school to a clerkship at one of Chicago’s most prominent personal injury firms, where he assumed substantial responsibility supporting seasoned trial attorneys on catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters. He played key leadership roles in trial preparation, motion drafting and legal research – experience that provided invaluable exposure to high-stakes litigation and solidified his dedication to advocating for those harmed by major institutions.
Shaye earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law (formerly The John Marshall Law School), where he distinguished himself through exceptional advocacy and leadership. He served as both competitor and Head Competition Director on the Moot Court Honors Board, was a finalist for Best Oralist and Best Brief in the Fred F. Herzog Moot Court Competition, reached the octofinals in the John J. Gibbons Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition, and competed in the Jerome Prince Memorial Evidence Competition. He also served as a Teaching Assistant in Appellate Advocacy and in Legal Writing & Oral Advocacy, strengthening his own command of persuasive communication while mentoring fellow students.
Before law school, Shaye graduated magna cum laude from DePaul University with a degree in Political Science and a minor in International Studies. He received the Political Activism and Civic Engagement Award and was inducted into the national political science honor society.
Shaye’s commitment to justice extends beyond his legal work. He is actively involved in organizations assisting those affected by homelessness and remains dedicated to addressing issues that undermine the well-being of vulnerable communities. Whether promoting social and economic equity or contributing to humanitarian efforts, he strives to support those too often overlooked.
Outside of law, Shaye finds balance through meditation, traveling, exercise, and music —and, despite the emotional toll, supporting Chicago sports.
Education:
- University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, Chicago, Illinois
- J.D. – 2025
- Honors: Moot Court Honors Board
- Honors: Second Place – Fred F. Herzog Moot Court Competition
- Honors: Best Brief Finalist – Fred F. Herzog Moot Court Competition
- Honors: Octofinalist – John J. Gibbons Criminal Procedure Moot Court Competition
- Honors: Teaching Assistant (TA) in Appellate Advocacy and Legal Writing & Oral Advocacy
- DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
- B.A. – 2022
- Major: Political Science and International Studies Honors: National Political Science Honor Society
