History & Legacy

1974 - Founding Partners Portrait copy

We support our clients with uncommonly responsive service, pragmatic thinking, and expert support — and have since 1974.

In 1974, three of Portland’s best-regarded business lawyers, Frederick Torp, Brian Booth, and Kenneth Stephens, parted ways with the firm of Davies, Biggs, Strayer, Stoel and Boley — now known as Stoel Rives LLP. They joined up with Moe Tonkon, Morris Galen, Terry Baker, and Don Marmaduke to form Tonkon, Torp & Galen. The firm name was changed to Tonkon, Torp, Galen, Marmaduke & Booth in 1981, and was ultimately shortened to Tonkon Torp LLP in 1997. 

During these years, our founding partners established a legacy of excellent legal work, leadership, and client service — as well as a legacy of dedicated community involvement. With roles as presidents, board members, chairpersons, and founders, they shaped and supported some of Oregon’s most beloved institutions, including the Oregon Historical Society, the Multnomah County Library, and Literary Arts. 

Our Legacy

Today Tonkon Torp is one of the largest firms headquartered in Oregon, with over 90 lawyers dedicated to a sophisticated business practice. Though our size and capabilities have grown since 1974, our commitment to community — through philanthropy, advocacy, and legal partnership — has grown and strengthened right along with us. 

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