by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Darren Murphy, Noblesville attorney for 12 years with the Howard Law Firm, has been named magistrate for Hamilton County Courts. He takes over from David Najjar who was recently appointed judge of Hamilton Superior Court 5.

The seven local judges made the appointment, which essentially becomes effective immediately. The position is fulltime in Magistrate’s Court. Murphy is no stranger at the Judicial Center. He has assisted County Attorney Michael Howard for several years.

Murphy is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, participating in the invasion of Panama in 1989. He was wounded in the military action which deposed Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega.

A resident of the Fishers area, Murphy returned to the area in 1990, earned a law degree and subsequently began his legal career in Noblesville.

Magistrates serve in an elected judge’s behalf, often conducting preliminary hearings and tending to other matters of legal administration.