Meet the Judge

A Life of Service. A Legacy of Leadership. A Voice for Justice.

 

Raised in Miami-Dade County, Judge Gordon Murray, Sr. has dedicated his life to public service, justice, and community empowerment. A proud graduate of Miami Carol City Senior High School, Judge Murray earned the Golden Drum Award, which paved the way for his scholarship to the University of Miami, where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Administration and his Juris Doctor.

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A Historic Beginning

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Judge Murray began his legal career by breaking barriers—as the first African-American Assistant State Attorney in Monroe County. From 1986 to 1989, he served in Key West, before moving to the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office under then-State Attorney Janet Reno, prosecuting felony crimes through 1993.

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A Seasoned Legal Practitioner

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In 1993, Judge Murray opened the Law Offices of Gordon Murray, P.A., where he practiced for nearly two decades as a respected solo practitioner. His practice spanned criminal, civil, and family matters, and reflected his commitment to everyday people. He also partnered in the firm of Douthit, Murray & Pierre, P.A., further broadening his impact across the legal landscape.

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From the Courtroom to the Bench

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Judge Murray’s career in judicial service began with appointments as a Child Support Hearing Officer and Civil Traffic Hearing Officer in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. In 2012, he was appointed General Magistrate, where he served until his appointment to the Miami-Dade County Court by Governor Rick Scott in 2017. He was elected in 2020 and served as Administrative Judge of the County Court Civil Division from 2021 until June 2025—leading 22 judges across seven courthouses.

 

His leadership focused on fair, timely case resolution and access to justice. Under his watch, the court reduced its pending caseload from 196,000 to 154,000 through modern case management. He spearheaded CourtHELP, an online portal designed to aid self-represented litigants in navigating landlord-tenant and small claims disputes.

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Mentorship & Education

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Judge Murray credits his success to the guidance of mentors like his high school teacher Mr. Morris, law professor Dr. Johnson, and attorney Robert McKinney. Their influence shaped his enduring commitment to mentoring young lawyers and students.

 

He has served as an Adjunct Professor at Miami Dade College since 1992, teaching constitutional law, criminal law, and juvenile justice, and remains a beloved figure in the college’s CSI Summer Program. He has mentored countless students through programs like the 5000 Role Models of Excellence, the Head Start Male Involvement Program, and mock trial competitions.

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Awards & Recognition

Judge Murray’s decades of service have been recognized with over 50 awards, including:

 

• Meenu T. Sasser Outstanding Jurist Award (2025) – Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division

• Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence (2023) – Florida Supreme Court

• William M. Hoeveler Judicial Professionalism Award (2023) – The Florida Bar

• Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award (2010)

• Miami-Dade County Pillar Award (2011)

• Alpha Phi Alpha Living Legend Award (2011)

• Proclamation of “Gordon Murray, Esq. Day” – Miami-Dade County Commission (2011)

• CABA Distinguished Service Award, WDFJBA Pro Bono Award, and many more

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Civic & Fraternal Leadership

Judge Murray is deeply involved in civic life. He is:

 

• Past President of Beta Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

• Grand Master of the King James Supreme Grand Lodge

• Past President of Orchestra Miami, Inc.

• A member of the Cuban American Bar Association, Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association, and Virgil Hawkins Bar Association

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A Judicial Philosophy of Substance Over Process

Judge Murray often says, “Never put process over substance.” He believes justice must be both swift and meaningful, and insists that every litigant feel heard and respected. He instructs: “You can argue to the court. Still, you cannot argue with the court.”

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Why Judge Murray Matters

From Monroe County to Miami-Dade, from solo practice to administrative judge, Judge Gordon Murray, Sr. has led with clarity, compassion, and courage. He is not only The Community Judge, but also a living example of excellence in leadership, mentorship, and the law.

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