Services & Industries
Education
J.D., University of Oregon School of Law, 2016
Order of the Coif
Editor-in-Chief, Oregon Review of International Law
B.A., cum laude, Muhlenberg College, 2011
Bar & Court Admissions
Oregon State Bar
U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
Lauren is a partner in Tonkon Torp’s Litigation Department. Lauren focuses her work on all types of commercial disputes, with an emphasis on complex real estate litigation. She advocates for multinational companies, regional companies, and local businesses to help them achieve their goals through trial and dispute resolution. Lauren represents businesses in state and federal courts, as well as in administrative settings including private mediation and in judicial settlement conferences.
Prior to joining Tonkon Torp, Lauren was an attorney with the Eugene, Oregon law firm Gleaves Swearingen LLP. Lauren attended the University of Oregon School of Law where she graduated Order of the Coif and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Oregon International Law Review. Lauren was also an O’Connell Fellow with the Public Law and Policy program and a recipient of the Laird Kirkpatrick Book Prize.
Outside of the office, Lauren enjoys playing guitar and listening to live music. She stays active playing tennis and exploring Oregon’s natural wonders.
Representative Matters
Warranty Deed Claims
Litigated warranty deed claims against national mortgage lender on behalf of real estate investor who purchased single family home that had been subjected to faulty foreclosure. Briefed and argued winning summary judgment motion on issue of liability. Negotiated a settlement for damages before trial.
Insurance Company Defense
Defended out-of-state insurance company against former employee insurance agents’ claims of automatic stay violations related to agents’ bankruptcy filing in one-day trial, resulting in nominal damages for technical statutory violation.
Breach of Contract Defense
Defended luxury car restorer in breach of contract and Unfair Trade Practices Act action brought by former customer in state court. Briefed and argued summary judgment motion that was successful against main claims. Settled remaining claims.
Adverse Possession Claim
Brought adverse possession claim, negotiated sale of the disputed strip and surrounding land for appraised value plus a premium in day-of-trial judicial settlement conference.
Community Involvement & Activities
Federal Bar Association, Oregon Chapter
2022-Present, Board Member
Head Start of Lane County
2019-2020, Board Member
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Lane County Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association
The Best Lawyers in America
2023-2024, Ones to Watch – Commercial Litigation
2024, Ones to Watch – Litigation – Bankruptcy
Recent News
Tonkon Torp Elects Three Attorneys to Partnership
Tonkon Torp LLP has elected attorneys Lauren Bernton, Will Gent, and Ferdinand Ruplin to its partnership, effective January 1, 2024.
Best Lawyers in America® Names 17 Tonkon Torp Attorneys to 2024 Ones to Watch List
Seventeen Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 18 practice groups have been named to The Best Lawyers in America 2024 Ones to Watch directory. Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch is a peer-review honor that acknowledges the professional excellence of attorneys who have been in private practice for less than 10 years.
Lauren Bernton Offers Law Students Insider Tips on Getting Hired at UO Alumni Panel
Tonkon Torp litigation attorney Lauren Bernton participated in a panel of University of Oregon Law School alumni, offering on campus interview tips for UO law students preparing to enter the workforce. The panel aimed to provide students with practical advice on navigating the application and interview process with law firms and employers.
39 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2023 Super Lawyers Lists
Thirty-nine Tonkon Torp attorneys in 12 practice areas have been included in the 2023 Oregon Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.
Lauren Bernton and Kate Roth Speak on Women in Law Panel for Oregon Law Students
Tonkon Torp attorneys Lauren Bernton and Kate Roth were panelists at a Women in Law program co-sponsored by the University of Oregon Business Law Program, the Women’s Law Forum, and the Law & Entrepreneurship Student Association.
Recent Publications
When Interest Rates Rise, Consider Bankruptcy Restructuring for Rate Relief
By Ava Schoen and Lauren Bernton – With the Federal Reserve raising interest rates, businesses struggling with floating rate increases and those needing to refinance may find bankruptcy reorganization an appealing alternative to high interest refinancing.
Publications & Presentations
Panelist, “On-Campus Interviews – Insider Tips from Alumni,” University of Oregon Business Law School, June 2023
Panelist, “Women Mean Business: Gender, Social Change, and Planning Your J.D.,” University of Oregon Business Law Program, Feb. 2023
Panelist, “Plotting Your Professional Law Journey,” University of Oregon School of Law Career Center, Feb. 2023
“When Interest Rates Rise, Consider Bankruptcy Restructuring for Rate Relief,” Portland Business Journal, Oct. 2022
“Receiverships: Oregon,” Thompson Reuters Practical Law, Oct. 2022
“Ninth Circuit Case Notes,” Oregon State Bar Debtor-Creditor Newsletter, Fall 2021
“Bankruptcy and State Court Case Law Update,” Oregon State Bar Debtor-Creditor Section, Oct. 2021
“Article 9 Sales in the Age of COVID-19,” Oregon Association of Defense Counsel, June 2021