Susan E. Murray, Esquire

Overview

Susan brings extensive experience and compassion to the Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation. Prior to becoming an attorney, she worked as a therapist at Haverford State Hospital, supporting adults, senior citizens, and children. She especially enjoyed working with children and takes great pride in the lasting impact she made in their lives. Although she has not practiced as a therapist since 1986, two of the children she worked with remain in contact with her and continue to visit when they are in the area. These lifelong connections are a meaningful reminder of the difference she made during her time in the mental health field.

Since 1996, Susan has operated her own family law practice in Media, Pennsylvania. She believes her background as a therapist is just as valuable as her legal experience when helping families navigate difficult and emotional matters. Her combined understanding of emotional wellbeing and family law allows her to approach mediation with compassion, balance, and practical guidance.

Susan received mediation training through the Good Shepherd Mediation Program for Divorce and Custody, as well as Parenting Coordination training with Cheryl Catrone, Esquire, a respected leader in the field of mediation. She is also approved as a Parenting Coordinator by the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. In addition, she has extensive experience mediating and litigating pet custody and ownership disputes, recognizing that pets are often deeply cherished members of the family. Susan is an animal lover and the proud owner of a Neapolitan Mastiff puppy, a horse, and a cat.

Her educational background includes earning a Juris Doctor from Temple University School of Law in 1986. She also holds a Master of Education degree from Temple University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation with an emphasis in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. Susan is a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Delaware County Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Council of Mediators.

In addition to her professional work, Susan has a strong background in public service. She previously served as an elected member of Media Borough Council, where she also acted as liaison to the Public Safety Committee and served as Police Commissioner. She also served as a Public Member of the Pennsylvania Board of Optometry.

Education

Juris Doctor, Temple University School of Law, Philadelphia, PA
M.Ed. Program Supervision, Temple University, Philadelphia, PAB.S., Therapeutic Recreation with an emphasis in Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA

Affiliations, Licenses, Certificates, and Memberships

Licensed by Pennsylvania Bar, Attorney ID #45776, 1986
Pennsylvania Bar Association
Family Law Section - Pennsylvania Bar Association
Delaware County Bar Association
Family Law Section - Delaware County Bar Association
Pennsylvania Counsel of Mediators
Approved as Parenting Coordinator - Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Member - Board of Directors - Family and Community Service of Delaware County 1989-1992, serving as President of the Board of Directors 199