Patrick J. Murphy ’67 named 2026 Hon. Leo M. Spellacy ’52 Bellarmine Award Recipient

Saint Ignatius High School proudly honors Patrick J. Murphy ‘67 as the 2026 recipient of the Hon. Leo M. Spellacy ’52 Bellarmine Award, recognizing his distinguished legal career and unwavering dedication to the Ignatian values of service and leadership.

Before his well-deserved retirement in 2015, Pat was a Shareholder and founding member of Bonezzi Switzer Murphy Polito & Hupp Co., L.P.A., where he built a remarkable career devoted primarily to medical malpractice defense. Over the course of five decades in the law, Pat served as lead trial counsel in more than 175 jury trials, representing physicians, hospitals, and healthcare institutions across nearly every recognized medical specialty. His career reflects not only exceptional trial experience, but a deep respect for the legal process and all who participate in it.

Widely admired by both the plaintiff’s bar and defense bar, Pat has earned a reputation for integrity, professionalism, and civility, believing that strong advocacy and mutual respect are not mutually exclusive. Pat expanded his practice into mediation and arbitration, where his patience, work ethic, and credibility allowed him to guide parties toward fair and successful resolutions..

Pat’s excellence has been consistently recognized throughout his career, including multiple selections as an Ohio Super Lawyer, being named among the Cleveland Top 50 Ohio Super Lawyers, inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, and earning an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell.

Pat is a dedicated and loyal alumnus of Saint Ignatius High School. He is the recipient of the 1997 Founders’ Award and has served as a representative for the Class of 1967

Through a lifetime of service to his profession and a steadfast commitment to fairness, honesty, and respect, Pat exemplifies the ideals honored by the Bellarmine Award. Saint Ignatius High School is proud to recognize Patrick J. Murphy ‘67 for a career that reflects the very best of Ignatian values. Congratulations, Pat!