George Murray is Lord Grantham's lawyer and close confidant. He handles all the legal affairs of the family.
Biography
1912-20
He found the new heir, Matthew Crawley, after the death of Patrick Crawley. During the war, when a wounded officer claimed to be Patrick, Robert wrote to him, asking him to check on the officer's story.
When John Bates was arrested, Murray helps find an attorney to represent Bates at his trial for the murder of his wife Vera.
1920-22
Robert then visited him in London, where Murray informed him that his railway investment had resulted in a severe monetary loss, enough for Downton to go. Robert told Murray he refused to give in.
Matthew later spoke to Murray about planning for the future of Downton, which he said was "music to my ears" because, as he explained, hard times were coming for estates like Downton and most families would fall, and that it would be good for Downton to run a business. Unfortunately Mary caught them and was upset they were discussing this matter because it was the same day Sybil's body was taken away.
Murray then worked with Anna to free her husband. He went to Audrey Bartlett after Anna visited her and found evidence to free him. Unfortunately Bartlett denied this to Murray, after having been tipped off, most likely from Durrant who, along with Craig, had overheard Murray talking to Bates and mentioning Mrs. Bartlett's name. He, Anna, and Bates discussed what to do next. He felt it would be guilt to lie to the law, and she might be swayed to telling the truth.
When Matthew addressed his plans again to Robert and Jarvis, Murray supported Matthew, pointing out that "the past is not much of a model." He cited the third earl nearly going bankrupt, the fourth only saving the estate by dying, and that they would have been in trouble in the 1890's had it not been for Cora's money.
In 1922, Robert contacts Murray following the discovery of Matthew's letter in which he expresses his intention to name Mary his sole heiress, in order to establish the legality of this letter.