Success is measured by the impact we have on those around us.
How I represent clients at Schwabe
As a fifth-generation attorney and the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, I bring a unique perspective to leadership and client service. With 26 years of legal experience at Schwabe, I remain deeply committed to inspiring action and fostering meaningful connections among clients, colleagues, and the community.
In my legal practice, I counsel a diverse client base with a particular focus on multi-generational, family-owned, and construction businesses. Drawing on extensive experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, finance, and succession planning, I help businesses navigate complex decisions and proactively address issues before they arise. Clients often call on me for assistance in obtaining growth capital due to my deep understanding of how private equity investments are structured in corporations and limited liability companies. That assistance helps clients secure capital from private equity firms, venture capital firms, strategic investors, and private investors.
As CEO, I apply these same principles of strategic foresight and clear communication to drive organizational success and foster innovation.
During my time as a Schwabe lawyer, I served as Department Chair for the Business department for five years, and I was on the Board of Directors from 2014-2021.
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
Chambers & Partners USA, client highlights
“Tom is an excellent lawyer, he has an extremely strong grasp of M&A.”
“Tom is very smart and good at M&A transactions.”
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.
Education
- University of Oregon, School of Law, Juris Doctor, Master of Business Administration, with honors (1999)
- Vanderbilt University, Bachelor of Arts, Economics
Admissions
- Oregon State Courts
- Washington State Courts
Awards
- Ranked by Chambers USA for Corporate/Mergers and Acquisitions in Oregon (2015-2025)
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America, Insurance Regulatory Law “Lawyer of the Year” award in Oregon (2013, 2018)
- Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America®, Insurance Regulatory Law (2013-2021), Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2013-2021, 2026)
- Selected to the Oregon Super Lawyers List, Business & Corporate (2013-2019)
- Selected to the Oregon Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list (2008-2012)
- Portland Business Journal, “Forty Under 40” Emerging Business Leaders award (2010)
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
Outside Interests
Spending time with my wife and sons, fly-fishing, skiing, golfing, camping, hunting and honing my barbeque skills in pursuit of the perfect brisket.
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