December 19, 2003

Elizabeth Murray - Attorney Alliance Defense Fund

Elizabeth Murray Attorney Alliance Defense Fund

Elizabeth Murray is the newest addition to the Alliance Defense Fund's legal team, fresh from law school; she is a licensed attorney and member of the Missouri bar. As a staff attorney for ADF, Elizabeth conducts legal research, writes memos and legal briefs, assists in depositions, and handles a variety of other vital tasks.

"Thousands of students graduate from law school each year, so there are ample attorneys to fill secular positions. As a Christian attorney, I wanted to work in a position where only a Christian would be willing to work… My work at ADF allows me to assist courageous Christians who are taking a stand in their communities to defend their God given rights. As more and more Christians join the battle, together we will impact our culture because with Christ we can do everything we are called to do. It is a blessing for me to learn from attorneys who have dedicated their lives and legal practices to Christ."

A native to Missouri, Elizabeth was homeschooled from 5th grade through graduation along with her four siblings. "While I was homeschooled, my parents taught me the importance of being a hard worker and a self-starter, which helped me build strong study habits. These traits are crucial for doing well in college and surviving the rigorous demands of law school." Elizabeth told HSLDA's Bright Spots. Elizabeth's initial interest in law began while visiting an aunt who worked for a judge. After graduation from high school Elizabeth worked as a receptionist for a prosecutor's office. In this role her interest in law heightened and eventually led her to law school.

Elizabeth earned her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science at the University of Missouri in Kansas City (UMKC) in 2001. Because UMKC has an early admittance program that allows students to take their first year of law school during their last year of undergraduate work, Elizabeth was able to begin her Juris Doctorate at UMKC School of Law in 2000 and graduate in the spring of 2003.

ADF works to protect and defend traditional family values, religious freedom and the sanctity of human life. Although involved in many cases, Elizabeth's 'pet' issue is ADF's Christmas project; "One aspect of this project is to protect the rights of students and teachers to seasonal religious expression in public schools." Her long-term goals include aiding ADF in accomplishing its goal to reclaim the legal system for Christ and keep the doors open for the spread of the gospel. When not practicing law Elizabeth enjoys traveling, playing softball, reading suspense novels, and participating in organized runs with her family.

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