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
2023-2025, Ones to Watch – Commercial Litigation
2024-2025, Ones to Watch – Litigation – Bankruptcy
Recent News
Best Lawyers in America Names 15 Tonkon Torp Attorneys to 2025 Ones to Watch List
Fifteen Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 17 practice groups have been named to The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 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.
33 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2024 Super Lawyers Lists
Thirty-three Tonkon Torp attorneys in 12 practice areas have been included in the 2024 Oregon Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.
Lauren Bernton Talks Career in Business Law for UO Law Students
Tonkon Torp litigation partner Lauren Bernton participated in a virtual panel for students in the University of Oregon Law School Career Exploration & Professional Planning class, offering career tips for UO law students preparing to enter the workforce.
Lauren Bernton Guest Instructor at Lewis & Clark Law School
Litigation attorney Lauren Bernton was a guest instructor at an “Integrated Evidence and Trial Advocacy” class at Lewis & Clark Law School. Lauren and her fellow volunteer teachers served as judges, advisors, and mentors for the students as they practiced their storytelling techniques.
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.
Recent Publications
Compression—Oregon’s Lesser Known Property Tax Limit
By Lauren Bernton and Owen Blank – Your property may be subject to one of Oregon’s lesser-known property tax limits, and you may not even know it. Even better, it may be possible for you to take action to increase the likelihood that this limit will apply to your property.
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, “Career Exploration and Professional Planning – Business Law,” University of Oregon Law School, Feb. 2024
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