Murphy C. Hart, a native of Benton, has practiced law with the Hart family firm since his graduation from Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1983.  In fact, Murphy represents the fourth generation of Harts to practice at Hart Cantrell & Thompson — the oldest continuous family law firm in the state of Illinois. He has worked alongside his father, Richard O. Hart, and his Uncle Bill during his tenure at Hart Cantrell.

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Murphy has more than 30 years of experience as an attorney at the firm, which is located on the southwest side of the Benton Public Square.  He is a member of the Illinois and Franklin County Bar Associations. He is admitted to practice law before the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, all Illinois courts and is an inactive member of the Missouri Bar Association.

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Murphy also is a Director of the Illinois State Bar Mutual Insurance Company as well as a member of the Attorneys Registration and Disciplinary Committee of the Illinois Bar Association, longtime Chair of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Merit Board, and longtime member of the Board of Directors of the State Bank of Whittington.  He writes title insurance for Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund, making Hart Cantrell a top producer for Attorneys’ Title Guaranty Fund for many years.

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Murphy has been happily married to his wife Jody since 1985. Jody recently retired after serving many years as a health and fitness instructor at John A. Logan College.  The Harts have two sons, Ryan and Caleb. Ryan Hart is an attorney who is pursuing his Master of Business Administration at the University of Notre Dame. Caleb Hart is a professional online video gamer who also has earned three certificates in Culinary Arts.

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Murphy and Jody Hart are active in their community and enjoy traveling with their boys. Additionally, Murphy is an avid golfer, and Jody enjoys swimming and playing tennis.