See also SHEELAMURTHY.com for more on Sheela: sought-after attorney, gifted entrepreneur, generous philanthropist, and inspiring speaker.
Founder and president of the Murthy Law Firm, Sheela Murthy completed her Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School, and has been admitted to practice as an attorney in New York, Maryland, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Headquartered in Baltimore County, Maryland, the firm of approximately 100 professionals concentrates in U.S. immigration law. Murthy practiced with major law firms in New York and Baltimore before launching the Murthy Law Firm in 1994.
Sheela Murthy has presented papers and speaks on complex immigration law issues for national and international organizations.
A regularly-featured writer, sharing information with her colleagues on consular matters and other immigration law topics, Murthy is often called upon by television network affiliates and the media to discuss immigration law, she is also featured in many international publications for her worldwide practice, for her leadership in the business community, and for her philanthropic work. She and her firm have been awarded the AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. This is the highest rating for lawyers and represents a measure of esteem for which attorneys strive. It recognizes Ms. Murthy for her outstanding legal abilities, acknowledged by her peers, and signifies the highest professional ethics and conduct.
A video introduction of Sheela Murthy is available on YouTube. Ms. Murthy has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Beast, Newsweek, and a blog and video feature by The Story Exchange.
Notable among her many awards and honors over the years:
- Awarded first National Spark Award by the American Immigration Council (2025)
- Induction to the MD Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame (2023)
- Induction to the Baltimore Sun Hall of Fame for lifetime achievement (2023)
- Best Law Firms: U.S. News Best Lawyers® (Tier 1 in 2023)
- Best Lawyers® in America (2016-Present)
- Maryland Super Lawyer (2007-Present)
- Publication of Being Sheela – Biography on the life and work of Ms. Murthy, Harper Collins (2021)
- 20 Most-Admired CEOs in Maryland (2016)
- Clementine Peterson Award for Philanthropy, United Way of Central Maryland (2014)
- 50 Most Influential Marylanders (2012)
- 500/5000, Firm among fastest growing private companies in America (2010)
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2009)
- Global Leadership Award by State of Maryland (2009)
- Philanthropist of the Year, United Way of Central Maryland (2009)
- Leadership in Law Award, The Daily Record (2008)
- Circle of Excellence of the Top 100 Women, for three-time recognition (2007)
- 40 Under 40 Emerging Business Leaders (2001)
- Top 25 lawyers in Baltimore-Washington, Baltimore Business Journal (1999)
Murthy is also known for her philanthropy. She is generous with financial donations through the MurthyNAYAK Foundation, but she is also generous with her time. She serves on numerous boards, sharing her time and business acumen to strengthen area nonprofits and other organizations. Currently, Murthy serves on the following boards, councils, and committees:
- MurthyNAYAK Foundation, Founder and Chair, Board of Directors (2001-Present)
- Baltimore Museum of Art, Board of Trustees (2019-Present)
- Maryland Institute College of Art, Board of Trustees (2018-Present)
- IT Serve Alliance, Legal Advisor (2016-Present)
- United Way of Northeast Florida, Chair, Tocqueville Society (2025-Present)
- JHPIEGO, Board of Advisors, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University (2010-2024)
Among Murthy’s past service to boards, councils, and committees:
- Maryland Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Chair, Board of Directors (2020-2022)
- Stevenson University, Board of Trustees (2008-2017, 2019-2022)
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Eastern Region, Board of Directors (2011-2021)
- ASHA for Women, Washington D.C., Board of Advisors (2009-2020)
- TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) D.C., President, Board of Directors (2018)
- Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Chair, Board of Directors, (2015-2017)
- Pratham D.C., Board of Directors (2010-2016)
- United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM), Board of Directors (2009-2015)
- UWCM Chair of the Campaign (2019) & Tocqueville Society Chair (2023-2024)
- United Way Worldwide, Chair, Leadership Council for India (2011-2015)
- Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, Chair, Board of Directors (2010-2014)
- Harvard Law School, Dean’s Advisory Council, Cambridge, MA (2009-2012)
- Bar Association of Baltimore City, YLS, Executive Committee (1989-1994)
See also:
Sheela Murthy: Personal Profile
Meet Sheela Murthy!
Attorney Murthy Speaks!