As a fifth-generation Oregon attorney, Tom is deeply invested in his clients and their role in the community. He takes the time not only to learn about his clients, but also to ensure he clearly communicates his analysis in a way that helps them make decisions and achieve objectives. Tom counsels a diverse client base with a particular focus on outdoor and athletic companies (also known as the “hooks and bullet” businesses).

Tom has extensive experience advising closely held and family-owned businesses on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance. He appreciates the unique governance issues that arise in family-held businesses, and helps his clients anticipate and resolve issues before they become problems.

Clients often call on Tom for assistance in obtaining growth capital. His deep understanding of how private equity investments are structured in both corporations and limited liability companies helps his clients secure capital from private equity firms, venture capital firms, strategic investors and private investors.

Testimonial 

"Tom Tongue is an incredible attorney and we highly value his wisdom and experience. ‎When we need a specialist, he always seems to recommend the right person for the job. There's a ‎reason that we always come back to Schwabe, and we're grateful to have Tom, and his team, in ‎our corner.‎"

- Stephen Jett, Precoa 

Experience

• Serves as general corporate counsel for Leupold & Stevens, a fifth-generation family-owned business that is the leader in hunting and recreational optics.
• Has advised other leading closely held and family-held businesses, including Parr Lumber Company, Henningsen Cold Storage, A-dec, Benchmade Knives and Pacific Interpreters.
• Represented Oregon Iron Works, a leading specialty manufacturing firm with commercial, marine, nuclear, aerospace, hydroelectric, defense and transportation manufacturing divisions, in its merger with Vigor Industrial. The Portland Business Journal described this transaction as the largest merger of two Oregon businesses in the past decade.
• Raised private equity capital for Red Rock Biofuels, leading the legal team that helped Red Rock Biofuels secure a private equity investment from Flagship Capital. 

Client Results

Awards

• Ranked for Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyers in Oregon, Chambers USA (2015-2022)
• Oregon Super Lawyers, Business & Corporate (2013-2019)
• Oregon Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars" list (2008-2012)
• Best Lawyers in America Award: Insurance Regulatory Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, and Corporate Law (2013-2021)
• Best Lawyers in America, Insurance Regulatory Law "Lawyer of the Year" award in Oregon (2013, 2018)
• Portland Business Journal, "Forty Under 40" Emerging Business Leaders award (2010)

News

Seminars & Speaking Engagements

Publications

Multimedia

Community Activities

• California Casualty Insurance Company, Director
• Oregon State Bar, Business Law Section Executive Committee, Member
• Greater Oregon Chapter of the March of Dimes, Past Chair and Board Member
• Portland Business Alliance's Leadership Portland, Graduate
• University of Oregon School of Law, Adjunct Professor, helped the school develop its mergers and acquisitions practical skills curriculum
• Oregon State Bar House of Delegates, elected and served two three-years terms
• Cub Scouts, Den Leader Volunteer

Services