Mick Harris

Legal Aid Services of Oregon is a statewide nonprofit organization providing high-quality legal representation and advocacy to vulnerable and low-income communities throughout Oregon. Partner James Hein, current Chair of Tonkon Torp’s Pro Bono Committee, was instrumental in launching the firm’s partnership with Legal Aid Roseburg.

In April 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down non-unanimous jury convictions in criminal cases in Ramos v. Louisiana. A shameful carryover from the Jim Crow era, Louisiana and Oregon were the last two states that allowed non-unanimous criminal convictions when as many as two jurors believed a defendant was innocent. Overnight, more than 260 cases in Oregon became eligible to seek post-conviction relief for unconstitutional non-unanimous convictions. Housed in the Criminal Justice Reform Clinic (CJRC) at Lewis & Clark Law School, the Ramos Project is a statewide pro-bono initiative providing legal assistance to those seeking redress.

Thirty-nine Tonkon Torp attorneys in 12 practice areas have been included in the 2023 Oregon Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.

Tonkon Torp business attorney Mick Harris has been appointed to the Oregon Consular Corps (OCC) as an Associate Member.

Tonkon Torp business attorney Mick Harris has been appointed to the College Possible Oregon’s Ambassador Board and the Board of Trustees for Community Services Inc. College Possible Oregon’s Ambassador Board is a group of young professionals under the age of 40 who raise support and awareness for College Possible, which helps students in Oregon achieve their college goals.

Tonkon Torp attorney Mick Harris has been appointed to the Willamette University Alumni Board. The Board works to foster alumni relations by hosting events, organizing networking opportunities, and providing career resources. “Willamette University provided me a life-changing scholarship and an opportunity to pursue a meaningful legal career,” shared Harris.

Tonkon Torp attorney Mick Harris moderated a virtual forum for the five candidates running for a rare open bench on the Multnomah County Circuit Court. The forum was hosted by the Oregon Lawyers Chapter of the American Constitution Society.

By Mick Harris – On March 29, 2023, Governor Kotek signed HB 2001 into law. This legislation contained changes to the residential eviction process in nonpayment cases. It is important for landlords and tenants alike to understand these developments.

By Mick Harris – In April, the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) rose 4.9%, down from 5% in March. This data was widely reported as the first time that CPI inflation was under 5% since June 2021. As demonstrated by this reduction, it appears that the Federal Reserve’s efforts to fight inflation may be working.

By MIck Harris – For the unfamiliar, a 1031 Tax Deferred Exchange is a key mechanism for taxpayers to maximize the sale of business and investment properties. For any current or aspiring real estate investor, this tool—found in Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code—is worth learning about.

By MIck Harris – The residential real estate market across the United States has slowed and the Oregon market is no exception. However, as always—location, location, location—plays a significant factor in determining the impact of a cooling market.

By MIck Harris – Between a red-hot housing market and rising interest rates, prospects are looking bleak for would-be homeowners in our region. For the most part, however, Oregon buyers have avoided one significant obstacle that has plagued other markets—competition with corporate investors for limited residential housing.