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 an associate in Tonkon Torp’s Litigation Department. Lauren focuses her work on all types of commercial disputes, with a growing emphasis in 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, Ones to Watch – Commercial Litigation
Recent News
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.
Lauren Bernton Talks Career Paths with UO Law Students
On Feb. 13, Tonkon Torp attorney Lauren Bernton was a panelist at a career exploration program for 1L students hosted by the University of Oregon School of Law Career Center.
Tonkon Torp Bankruptcy Attorneys Author Guides for Practical Law
Attorneys from the Tonkon Torp Bankruptcy & Reorganization Practice Group were invited to author three guides for Thomson Reuters Practical Law, published as part of their State Q&A series for Bankruptcy and Restructuring. Each guide provides in-depth detail on a specific aspect of Bankruptcy and Restructuring in Oregon.
Ninth Circuit Case Notes – Fall 2021
The Ninth Circuit’s published debtor-creditor decision load was very light the last several months. We view this as yet another result of the various COVID-19 emergency protections for borrowers promulgated by various states and the federal government.
Tonkon Torp Attorneys Share Expertise at OSB Debtor-Creditor Section Annual Meeting
On October 29, three Tonkon Torp bankruptcy attorneys spoke at the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Oregon State Bar Debtor-Creditor Section.
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, “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