Services & Industries
Education
J.D., cum laude, Willamette University College of Law, 2019
B.A., Government, magna cum laude, New Mexico State University, 2012
Bar & Court Admissions
Oregon State Bar
Mick is an associate in Tonkon Torp’s Business Department. He graduated cum laude from Willamette University College of Law in 2019, where he was editor-in-chief of Willamette Law Review, a member of the Moot Court Board, President of the Willamette University Public Interest Law Project, President of the American Constitution Society, and source-and-cite editor of the Willamette Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution. While a law student, Mick worked as a summer associate at Tonkon Torp and served as a summer law clerk for Mercy Corps in Portland, where he drafted complex contracts for global use, and provided guidance on a wide range of humanitarian projects. He also gained experience as a judicial extern for the Hon. Robyn Ridler Aoyagi at the Oregon Court of Appeals.
Mick is a magna cum laude graduate of New Mexico State University, where he earned his B.A. in government. Before entering law school, he worked as a political consultant, helping clients pass meaningful legislation and developing winning campaign strategies for candidates on the state and local level. Mick currently serves on the board of the Oregon Lawyers Chapter of the American Constitution Society.
Mick’s interests outside of work include writing, reading, podcasts, comedy, sailing, horology, fighting global warming, and reveling in Portland’s excellent restaurant scene.
Featured Work
The Ramos Project
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.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
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.
Community Involvement & Activities
American Constitution Society, Oregon Lawyers Chapter
Board Member
Community Services, Inc.
Board of Trustees, Member
College Possible Oregon
Ambassador Board, Member
Oregon Consular Corps
Associate Member
Willamette University Alumni Board
Board Member
Professional Memberships
Multnomah Bar Association
Recent News
Mick Harris Appointed to the Oregon Consular Corps as an Associate Member
Tonkon Torp business attorney Mick Harris has been appointed to the Oregon Consular Corps (OCC) as an Associate Member.
Mick Harris Joins Boards for Community Services, Inc. and College Possible Oregon
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.
Mick Harris Joins Willamette University Alumni Board
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.
Mick Harris Moderates Judicial Candidate Forum for American Constitution Society
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.
Tonkon Torp Welcomes Business Associate Mick Harris
Tonkon Torp welcomes associate Mick Harris to the firm’s Business Department, where he will focus on business law. “Tonkon Torp has a sterling reputation in the community and the chance to practice law alongside my new colleagues is a remarkable opportunity,” said Harris.
Recent Publications
Public Company Disclosures in a Climate-Change Focused World
As society reckons with the enormous danger of climate change, there is no question that corporations must take responsibility for their contributions to rampant global warming, while working to reduce their emissions. For public companies or those planning to go public, this may manifest through increased pressure to provide formalized disclosures regarding climate change efforts.
SEC Expands Definition of Accredited Investor
In an effort to expand investment opportunities in private companies, on August 26, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission adopted on August 26, 2020, amendments to the definition of an “accredited investor.” The amendments expand the definition as it applies in the exemption from registration for private offerings set forth in Regulation D under the Securities Act.
The CARES Act Provides Small Businesses Additional Bankruptcy Relief
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act of 2020 (“CARES Act”) was enacted on March 27, providing a suite of protections and relief for everyday Americans and the economy at large. While most coverage has focused on other provisions that grant direct payments to American taxpayers, offer forgivable loans to businesses to cover payroll, and expand unemployment insurance benefits by $250 billion, the bill also included a significant expansion to the Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (the “SBRA”).
SEC Proposes Limited Expansion of Accredited Investor Definition
In December 2019, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed amending the definition of “accredited investor” under Regulation D of the Securities Act of 1933. Currently, there are eight different categories by which a natural person is deemed an accredited investor, including individuals whose net worth exceeds $1 million and those with income in excess of $200,000 in each of the two most recent years.
Ear to the Ground Blog
Slow Permitting Keeps Builders on the Sidelines Despite Demand
By Mick Harris – In June 2022, according to a Redfin report, Portland home prices were up 7.6% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $570,000. On average, homes in Portland sell after six days on the market. One would expect such a brisk market to lead to a building boom
When Can An Oregon Landlord Terminate Residential Tenancy Without Cause?
By Mick Harris – Tonkon Torp real estate attorney Mick Harris reviews the circumstances when an Oregon landlord can issue a no cause eviction.
The Impact of Interest Rate Hikes on the Housing Market
By Mick Harris – On May 4, after a two-day policy meeting, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced the first of what is likely to be several interest-rate increases in 2022. The first, a 50-basis-point increase, is the single highest hike in 22 years—and it is only the beginning.
Oregon HOAs and Condominium Associations Must Remove Discriminatory Language by End of Year
By Mick Harris – Pursuant to HB 2534—a bill that passed the Oregon Legislature in 2021—homeowners associations and condominium associations are required to review their governing documents and either (1) remove discriminatory language or (2) certify the nonexistence of such language on or before December 31, 2022
Portland’s Residential Real Estate Market Favors Sellers
By Mick Harris – While life is full of uncertainties, one factor remains the same: housing prices are on the rise.
Publications & Presentations
Mick is a regular contributor to Tonkon Torp’s Ear to the Ground blog, which provides timely commentary on issues affecting the commercial real estate and development communities in the Pacific Northwest.
“Public Company Disclosures in a Climate-Change Focused World,” Tonkon Torp Legal Update, March 2021
“SEC Expands Definition of Accredited Investor,” Tonkon Torp Legal Update, September 2020
“Efforts Continue to Address Toxic PFAS in the Pacific Northwest,” Ear to the Ground Blog, September 2020
Moderator, “Judicial Candidate Forum,” American Constitution Society Oregon Lawyers Chapter, May 2020
“The CARES Act Provides Small Businesses Additional Bankruptcy Relief,” Tonkon Torp Legal Update, April 2020
“SEC Proposes Limited Expansion of ‘Accredited Investor’ Definition, Tonkon Torp Legal Update, February 2020