Reducing the burden on families at all stages of life

"When I used to bring my law books to my father’s hospital room to study, I saw that doctors and nurses treated me differently, and they treated him differently. I thought about all those other people who didn’t have an advocate or someone to ask questions on their behalf. And that’s where I started to develop a passion for elder law.”

Amanda Murray develops plans and advocates for people at times when they are the most vulnerable. With a true passion for elder law and a love of service, she helps families navigate difficult challenges and develops comprehensive estate plans to meet coming needs.

She relishes the opportunity to identify creative options to support clients' goals for their future and the future of their families. “We take the time to really get to know our clients,” she explains. “if we didn’t make the effort to develop that rapport, then I think we would miss an opportunity to make their life easier and help with different facets of their family situation.”

In addition to planning for loved ones with special needs or developing strategies for long-term care, VA benefits, and Medicaid planning, Amanda particularly enjoys bringing families together through adoption and assisted reproduction and serving as a guardian, conservator, or trustee to protect the rights of the vulnerable.

When families lose a member instead of adding to their numbers, she finds great satisfaction helping them maneuver through the estate administration process. “I like making sure the right thing happens and helping to take some of the load off the family during a difficult time,” she observes.

Amanda tries to put clients at ease and help them fully understand their legal position and what they can expect from the process. She wants clients to feel heard and understood. “If I can’t help,” she explains, “I will listen. I will sort through to find what the legal issue is. If it’s not a case I can take on, I will point them in the right direction.”

A member of Bassett Murray Law Group, PLLC since 2013, Amanda has served as Judicial Intern for the Honorable J. Cedric Simpson at the 14A-1 District Court in Washtenaw County and Judicial Extern for the Honorable Avern Cohn at the Federal U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She has also served as a Law Clerk for the Michigan Poverty Law Program and a volunteer at the State Appellate Defender’s Office.

A Michigan native, Amanda graduated cum laude from Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration before earning her legal degree at Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She has been named to the exclusive SuperLawyers Rising Stars list and included among the “Ones to Watch” by Best Lawyers. As an active member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and other professional legal associations, she is frequently asked to share her knowledge through presentations and publications.

She currently lives in Washtenaw County. When not helping clients, she enjoys time with her three children.