The man credited with establishing Maurice Blackburn's Class Actions department in 1988 will commence his judicial career on 14 June 2011.

The department has returned more than $710 million in damages to class action plaintiffs over the last 13 years, with Murphy leading on more than 30 successful class actions during his time at the firm.

Murphy will be replaced by Steve Walsh, who noted Murphy's large contribution to the firm.

"Over his career with Maurice Blackburn and the past six years as Chairman, Bernard has led the firm's strategy to develop into a national law firm, expanding from four offices in two states to 23 offices in four states," said Walsh.

"Internally, Bernard sets enormously high standards for our lawyers which has been significant in the firm becoming one of the leading plaintiff law firms in Australia," he said.

Murphy said in a statement that he was "humbled by the opportunity" to serve the Court, but that he will be sorry to leave the firm.

He was unable to comment directly on his appointment.