Robert E. Hirshon
Direct Dial: 503.802.2115
Direct Fax: 503.972.3815
E-mail: bobh@tonkon.com
Education:
J.D., University of Michigan
Law School, 1973
B.A. with Distinction, University of Michigan, 1970
Biography:
Bob joined Tonkon Torp LLP in July 2003 as the firm’s new chief executive officer. He was the first CEO of a law firm in Portland and is responsible for the firm’s overall management and operation. He is an internationally known lawyer, teacher, writer and speaker.
Bob brings to his new job executive management and legal practice experience as well as a broad understanding of national legal issues and changing client needs. In his 30 years as a practicing attorney, he has represented corporations, individuals, financial service companies and associations. As president of the American Bar Association from August 2001 to August 2002, he was spokesperson for the world’s largest professional association and led the legal profession's response to 9/11 and its assessment of corporate governance issues. During his presidency, he took part in negotiations with the SEC and Congress, including discussions relating to Sarbanes-Oxley and the USA Patriot Act. During his three years as an ABA Officer, he traveled to 17 countries, meeting with political and corporate leaders on issues relating to the role of law.
Bob is widely published and has lectured throughout the country on various insurance, banking, civil litigation and civil justice issues. From 1988 to 1993 he was an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Maine Law School and taught courses in negotiations and trial practice.
Bob was a longstanding shareholder in the Portland, Maine law firm of Drummond, Woodsum & MacMahon, P.A. before coming to Tonkon Torp. He is the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees. In 2002 the College of Law at Willamette University in Salem presented him with an honorary degree. In 1997, Bob received the National Association of Pro Bono Coordinators award and in the spring of 2003 he was the first practicing attorney to be honored with the Muskie Access to Justice Award, named after U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie.
Bob is not admitted to practice law in the state of Oregon.
Professional Organizations
Maine Bar Association (President 1986)
American Bar Association (President 2001-2002)
American Law Institute
Maine Bar Foundation (President 1990)
Admitted To Practice
U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Court of Appeals – 1st Circuit
U.S. District Court, District of Maine
State of Maine
Community Activities
National Constitution Center
ABA Center for Pro Bono (Chair 1990 – 1993)
American Bar Foundation (State Chair 1996 – 2000)
Steering Committee to Study Maine's
Legal Needs
State of Maine's Judicial Selection Committee
Judicial Committee on Court Bar Relations
Board of Trustees of
Breakwater School, Chair
Town of Cape Elizabeth Zoning Board of Appeals, Vice-Chair
Committee of Visitors, University of Michigan
ABA Foundation for Justice and Education
