Thomas Griffin represents individuals and businesses, large and small, in overcoming environmental regulatory issues, forming and operating business entities, and completing real estate transactions, including timberlands.

Thomas has a deep understanding of the agriculture and natural resources industry because he grew up on a farm in central Oregon and was involved in his family’s agribusiness from a young age. After college, he spent four years serving as a lead staff member for Congressman Greg Walden in Washington, D.C., where he developed legislative initiatives on agriculture, forestry, environment, natural resources, and energy issues. During this time, he helped to pass several natural resource bills across the House floor, including legislation to improve management of federal forests. His unique experience on Capitol Hill helps him advise clients as they navigate both state and federal regulatory systems and agencies.

In addition to his political and regulatory experience, Thomas gained practical legal experience during law school by spending two summers with Schwabe as a Summer Associate, externing for the Honorable Judge Michael McShane of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, and providing legal services to entrepreneurs on a pro bono basis through the Oregon Law Small Business Clinic.

Awards

• University of Oregon School of Law, Frederic R. Merrill Award for Excellence in Published Writing (2018)
• University of Oregon School of Law, Wayne Morse Law Center Fellow (2017-2018)
• University of Oregon School of Law, Excellence in Written Advocacy Award (2016)
• Oregon State University, College of Agricultural Sciences, Burlingham Student of Excellence Award (2011)

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

Publications

Community Activities

• University of Oregon School of Law, Oregon Law Review, Articles Editor (2017-2018)
• University of Oregon School of Law, Oregon Law Review, Staff Editor (2016-2017)

Services