Lauren Bernton

Lauren Bernton is a partner and commercial litigator at Tonkon Torp LLP who represents international and regional businesses in high-stakes disputes, with a strong emphasis on complex real estate law. She has tried matters in state and federal courts, arbitration, and administrative settings. She also handles contract and commercial disputes, corporate and business owner conflicts, bankruptcy and restructuring matters, and real estate and land use issues requiring strategic, trial-ready advocacy for demanding business clients.

Lauren earned her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law, where she graduated from the Order of the Coif and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Oregon Review of International Law. She earned her B.A., cum laude, from Muhlenberg College. She is admitted to the Oregon State Bar and the US District Court for the District of Oregon, supporting her litigation practice across state and federal forums in complex commercial disputes.

Lauren has secured significant results in complex commercial matters, including a trial that produced an $8 million reduction in taxable real market value for a publicly listed company. She also obtained a bankruptcy trial victory recovering disputed transfers and defeating counterclaims. Her work includes multi-million-dollar real estate disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, contract cases, warranty deed litigation, and other contested matters involving substantial business and property interests across Oregon.

Lauren Bernton has been recognized as an Oregon Rising Star for business litigation and as a Best Lawyers One to Watch in commercial litigation and bankruptcy litigation. She was also named to the Portland Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2026. She serves on the Chess for Success board and has mentored new Oregon lawyers. Her practice combines trial experience, strategic dispute resolution, and focused advocacy for business clients statewide.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Tonkon Torp LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Lane County Bar Association
• Member, Multnomah Bar Association

Licensed State

• Oregon

Education

• University of Oregon School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Muhlenberg College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)