Services & Industries
Education
J.D., cum laude, Willamette University College of Law, 2020
B.S., Political Science, University of Oregon, 2013
Bar & Court Admissions
Oregon State Bar
Samantha (Sam) Klausen is a business attorney with a practice focused on mergers, acquisitions, health care and securities regulatory compliance, and general corporate matters. She works closely with clients ranging from emerging startups to well-established businesses, providing legal counsel tailored to each client’s unique goals and challenges.
With a strong understanding of both legal complexities and business realities, Sam helps clients successfully navigate high-stakes transactions and complex regulatory frameworks. Her clients include private funds, licensed health care professionals, management services organizations, and both buyers and sellers in M&A deals. Clients rely on her practical approach and meticulous attention to detail to keep transactions moving forward smoothly while protecting their interests.
Sam brings a well-rounded perspective to her practice, shaped by her experience working at the highest levels of Oregon government. Before law school, she served in the offices of two Oregon governors, worked for an Oregon State Representative, campaigned for Oregon’s Senate President, and served as a lobbyist for business and health care interests. This diverse experience gives her unique insight into regulatory processes and legislative developments.
A lifelong Oregonian, Sam earned her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Oregon and her law degree, cum laude, from Willamette University College of Law. During law school, she served as Editor in Chief of the Willamette Law Review, was a Moot Court Board member and national competition semi-finalist, and externed for Chief Justice Martha Walters.
Beyond her legal practice, Sam is committed to mentorship and community engagement, believing that strong professional relationships and giving back to the community are essential to fostering a thriving legal profession.
Representative Matters
Sale of Stock for Engineering Firm
Represented engineering firm in selling a majority stake to a Canadian publicly traded company for approximately $300 million.
Featured Work
Tonkon Torp Leads Gagen MacDonald Acquisition
Tonkon Torp represented client Gagen MacDonald, a human-focused transformation consulting firm, in its acquisition by APCO Worldwide, a global advisory and advocacy consultancy. The two industry leaders provide complementing C-suite consulting services that focus on human-centered transformation within organizations.
Community Involvement & Activities
Sons of Smokey
Board of Directors
Willamette University
Alumni Board of Directors, Former Member
Professional Memberships
Multnomah Bar Association
Recent News
Tonkon Torp Welcomes Samantha Klausen to its Business Department
Tonkon Torp LLP welcomes attorney Samantha Klausen to its Business Department. Klausen, who joins the firm from Dunn Carney LLP, is an experienced negotiator and advocate.
Recent Publications
Lawsuits Don’t Often Make Your Dreams Come True
By Adam Adkin and Sam Klausen – The recent legal clash between Daryl Hall and John Oates highlights key lessons about partnership dynamics and the necessity for a well-crafted partnership agreement. Their conflict, while centered on assets derived from their creative collaborations, mirrors challenges that business partners often face when their relationship deteriorates.
Publications & Presentations
“Lawsuits Don’t Often Make Your Dreams Come True,” December 2023
Co-author, Use of Peremptory Challenges During Criminal Jury Selection in Oregon, Willamette Law Review, Vol. No. 2, 2021