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College Track - Sep 28, 2008
In a time as bleak as a moonscape in March, there is still Ruth Zagorodny.
As it's become inescapable that we've blown the last six years on bad decisions and worse behavior, that we're leaving the next generations a legacy of trillions in debt, a mountain of receipts for the party and vague advice to make something of themselves, Zagorodny sits in Willamette Park, her eyes full of a 15-year-old's intoxication with possibility.
Second Oregon Home Achieves Platinum LEED Certification - Jul 30, 2008
Our client, Teeny Development, LLC, has achieved Platinum LEED certification on its first of 18 townhomes under construction in Lincoln City.
Jeff Cronn Named to Forty Under 40 - Apr 23, 2008
Tonkon Torp partner Jeff Cronn was a 2008 recipient of the Portland Business Journal's Forty Under 40 Award.
Some Biz Lawyers Worry Over Sustainability Effort - Apr 18, 2008
As Oregon's economic climate grows ever greener, some say certain strategies designed to
cater to sustainability-minded businesses could actually repel companies from incorporating
here.
Trio on Forty Under 40 List Has Links to the Past - Apr 10, 2008
Jeff Cronn, Todd Johnston and Roger Mills go
back together – way back. Together, the three
attended Bryant Elementary School, Waluga
Junior High and Lakeridge High School. They
crossed paths in classes, on basketball courts and
around town.
And now, they’re crossing paths again.
Tonkon Torp Attorney to Speak at Northwest Environmental Business Council Conference - Mar 4, 2008
Firm partner attorney David Petersen will serve as a panelist at the Northwest Environmental Business Council conference “Making Renewable Energy Projects Happen.”
Risks From Global Warming -- Should Investors Know? - Jan 18, 2008
Partner Jeffrey Cronn is interviewed by the Portland Business Journal.
Partner Terry Baker Featured on OregonLive.com - Dec 12, 2007
Tonkon Torp partner Terry Baker was featured on OregonLive.com December 2, 2007.
Inga Deckert Featured in Portland Business Journal - Nov 23, 2007
Government Relations Practice Group associate Inga Deckert was featured in the November 23rd issue of the Portland Business Journal.
Electronic Devices Strain Firms' Security Measures - Oct 26, 2007
Intellectual Property Group Chair Paula Holm Jensen is quoted in an article that appeared in the Portland Business Journal Friday, October 26, 2007.
Tonkon Torp Hosts Meet and Greets With Political Leaders - Oct 10, 2007
On October 8, 2007, the firm's Government Relations and Public Policy Group hosted the fourth event in its series of Meet and Greets with Oregon political leaders. Congresswoman Darlene Hooley and Clackamas County Chair Martha Schrader joined 30 firm guests for a breakfast discussion of federal, state and local issues.
Tonkon Torp Co-Hosts Wave Energy Conference - Oct 10, 2007
Tonkon Torp LLP , Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and client Finavera Renewables recently teamed up to sponsor an Ocean Energy conference hosted by Lewis & Clark Law School. The October 1 event was held in connection with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s meeting on ocean energy in Portland.
Current Commentary: Keeping High Standards - Aug 27, 2007
This article appeared on August 27, 2007 in the online issue of nwcurrent (http://www.nwcurrent.com/policy/10036611.html).
The Employment and Labor Group: E-Employment Law Update - Sep 5, 2006
For those of you employing workers in Oregon and Washington, a friendly holiday reminder: On January 1, 2006 the Oregon minimum wage will increase to $7.50 per hour, and the Washington minimum wage will increase to $7.63 per hour.
Nonprofit Executive Compensation - Aug 22, 2006
Nonprofit executive compensation has made headlines in Oregon and nationwide. Am I correct in believing that this has become a hot button issue with regulators? (Reprinted with permission from the Oregon Society of CPAs)
NIKE, Inc. Selects Tonkon Torp as a "Go-To Law Firm" - Aug 4, 2006
NIKE, Inc. has chosen Tonkon Torp as one of their top law firms in the recent ALM Directory of Go-To Law Firms.
U.S. Supreme Court Broadens Employer Liability for Retaliation - Jun 23, 2006
The Supreme Court has now spoken on what kind of conduct an employer must engage in and how harmful that conduct must be for the employer to be liable for retaliation under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Medical Marijuana Victory in Oregon Supreme Court - May 24, 2006
Let's say you are an employer with an employee whose sleep is disturbed each night by leg spasms. The employee smokes medical marijuana every night before he goes to bed.
H1-B Numbers Dwindle - May 23, 2006
H-1B numbers will soon be depleted according to figures recently released by the government. Once depleted, H-1B numbers will not become available until October 1, 2007.
When Should a Board Appoint a Special Committee? - Apr 1, 2006
The proper use and operation of a special committee can protect decisions of public and private companies from challenge and insulate individual directors from personal liability.
Reefer Madness at the Court of Appeals - Dec 9, 2005
Among the challenging issues for Oregon courts in the last decade is the question of whether, and to what extent, employers must accommodate employees who are legally using marijuana for disabling medical conditions.
U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies Pay Issues Regarding Special Safety Gear - Nov 9, 2005
A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has clarified the definition of a compensable work day for employees required to wear special safety gear.
Marion County Court Invalidates Measure 37 - Nov 8, 2005
Oregon's Measure 37 has been at the center of controversy since being passed by voters in 2004. Recently, Measure 37 was ruled unconstitutional by the Marion County Circuit Court. This article provides a brief update regarding these developments.
Annual Report Review and Tune-Up - Nov 3, 2005
Since the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the SEC has paid particular attention to the MD&A section of each public company's Annual Report. This article discusses the SEC guidelines for tuning up your MD&A section.
Chinese Premerger Notification Requirements - Oct 3, 2005
While the People's Republic of China continues its halting steps toward robust merger control legislation, many foreign investors and companies are not aware that current PRC premerger notification regulations may require notification of and approval for offshore transactions not involving Chinese parties.
Protecting and Leveraging Your Intellectual Property - Sep 15, 2005
Building a solid intellectual property foundation is just as important as generating capital or seeking investors. This article outlines simple steps that can help you establish and maintain a sound intellectual property foundation for your business.
Collision of Medical Marijuana and Oregon Disability Laws Leaves Employers in Limbo - Sep 8, 2005
Among the challenging human resource issues for Oregon employers in the last decade is the question of how to handle employees who are legally using marijuana. Must employers accommodate medical marijuana use?
Buyer and Lender Beware: Financing Measure 37 Property - Sep 8, 2005
Eight months after taking effect, Measure 37 still triggers more questions than answers. One of the most significant unresolved question is whether waivers of land use regulations are transferable. This article explores the issue of waiver trasferability and the implications for real estate financing.
Are Your Employees Putting You At Risk When They Drive While Gabbing? - Aug 18, 2005
Potential liability continues to grow for employers. Some have recently been found liable for car accidents caused, at least in part, by an employee's use of a cell phone to conduct business.
H-1B Cap Reached for Fiscal Year 2006 - Aug 12, 2005
On August 12, 2005, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the annual quota of H-1B numbers available for Fiscal Year 2006 has been reached.
Supreme Court Opens Door to More Age Discrimination Lawsuits - Aug 2, 2005
The Court's opinion in Smith v. City Of Jackson is almost certain to increase the volume of age discrimination claims.
H-1B Numbers Dwindle - Aug 2, 2005
H-1B numbers will soon be depleted according to figures recently released by the government. Once depleted, H-1B numbers will not become available until October 1, 2006.
Pro Bono Takes Center Stage at Prominent Local Firm Retreat - Jul 22, 2005
Tonkon Torp's legacy of pro bono was a cornerstone of the firm's annual retreat this year. This Multnomah Lawyer article highlights the firm's commitment to pro bono, a core value of the firm since its inception that continues to this day.
U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Government's Ability to Condemn Private Property For Economic Redevelopment - Jun 28, 2005
On June 23, 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Kelo v. City of New London upheld the condemnation of private property in furtherance of an economic redevelopment plan.
New Treasury Regulations Governing Tax Advice - Jun 28, 2005
Effective June 21, 2005, the Treasury Department issued final regulations to add standards of practice for tax advisors and to prescribe new requirements for written tax advice.
Biometric Exit Pilot in Seattle; ICE Arrests 9 Working on Visa Waiver - May 18, 2005
The Department of Homeland Security begins a Biometric Exit Pilot program at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Also, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency arrested nine people working illegally on the visa waiver program.
20,000 New H-1B Visas - May 6, 2005
The USCIS has issued guidance regarding the 20,000 additional FY 2005 H-1B numbers. Tonkon Torp urges immediate review of employee eligibility with legal counsel. There is a good possibility that the numbers will be exhausted soon after they become available.
Passports to be Required for Canada/Mexico Travel - Apr 20, 2005
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda will be required to carry passports for travel between neighboring countries and the Caribbean under the "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative" announced by The Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.
H-1B Temporary Worker Shortage Looms - Apr 8, 2005
As of April 1, employers became eligible to file H-1B Petitions for foreign nationals not already employed pursuant to H-1B status, for the USCIS 2006 fiscal year with a start date of October 1, 2005. There is a chance the numbers will be exhausted soon.
Corporate Governance Concerns Spill into Nonprofit World - Apr 1, 2005
Later this year, Congress is expected to consider legislation spelling out heightened corporate governance requirements for nonprofit organizations. With the potential additional regulation looming, many nonprofit boards are already taking steps to ensure better oversight of their operations and transparency with respect to their activities.
Additional H-1B Numbers Not Limited to Master's Degree Holders - Mar 8, 2005
USCIS announces 20,000 additional H-1B numbers that are authorized as of March 8, 2005 will NOT be limited to individuals holding a master's degree or higher from a U.S. institution. If you have any employees with a need for an H-1B visa, please review eligibility with legal counsel immediately.
Post Hire Non Compete Agreements in Oregon - Dec 20, 2004
The first in-depth look at post-hire noncompete agreements under Oregon law was issued by the Ninth Circuit on August 9, 2004.
Significant New Rules for H and L Visas - Dec 8, 2004
Today, December 8, 2004, the President signed into law significant changes to the H-1B and L-1 visa categories.
MEASURE 37 – OREGON'S NEW LIMITATION ON LAND USE REGULATION - Nov 23, 2004
By now, most Oregonians are aware of the passage of Measure 37. This Measure, which will take effect in early December, has the potential to provide relief to property owners whose property value has been reduced by land use regulations adopted after they acquired their property.
Massive H-1B and L-1 Changes Approved Over Weekend - Nov 22, 2004
Over the weekend, Congress approved significant changes to the H-1B (temporary worker) and L-1 (intracompany transferee) visa categories.
USCIS ANNOUNCES FY 2005 H-2B PROCESSING - Nov 17, 2004
Washington, D.C.– U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received H-2B petitions for 33,153 beneficiaries counting against the statutory visa cap for fiscal year 2005 (October 1, 2004 through September 30, 2005). The fiscal year 2005 statutory visa cap is 66,000.
2006 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV-2006) - Oct 8, 2004
The Immigration and Nationality Act provides for 50,000 permanent resident visas annually to noncitizens who come from countries with low immigration rates
H-1B Cap Reached for Fiscal Year 2005 - Oct 4, 2004
This morning we received news from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the annual quota ("cap") of H-1B numbers available for Fiscal Year 2005 (FY2005) has been reached.
URGENT - 2005 H-1B Cap Nears - Aug 23, 2004
It may seem incredible, but for the first time in history the H-1B numbers may be depleted before the Fiscal Year (FY) begins. Our advice: Consider filing H-1B petitions subject to the FY2005 cap immediately.
State Department launches secure online travel registration website - Aug 12, 2004
The State Department recently launched a secure online travel registration website
which will allow American citizens to record foreign trip and residence information that
the Department of State can use to communicate with registrants in case of an
emergency.
Department of Homeland Security to begin biometric exit pilot as part of US-VISIT program - Aug 3, 2004
The following government news release explains the expansion of biometric "exit" inspections at U.S. ports of entry.
Update on Status of New FLSA and FMLA Regulation - Jul 21, 2004
This will update you on the status of regulations being issued with respect to the FLSA and the FMLA.
Upcoming Changes in Visa Revalidation Procedures - Jul 8, 2004
As of July 16, 2004, the Department of State (DOS) will no longer accept visa revalidation applications at its mail-in facility in St. Louis, Missouri.
Takings Law Update - May 20, 2004
City Not Required To Compensate Developer For Condition Of Approval Requiring Dedication Of A Public Pathway
Land Use Law Update - May 20, 2004
City Did Not Violate Federal Law By Denying Application To Build Church In Residential Neighborhood
No New Taxes – But Fee Increase Coming April 30th! - Apr 15, 2004
Today is tax day, but of equal importance to our clients is the new fee increase set to take effect April 30, 2004!
FY2005 H-1B Cap Could Be Depleted Before October - Apr 5, 2004
We are sending this NewsAlert to urge employers who contemplate hiring foreign nationals pursuant to H-1B status in FY2005 to consider filing early, because unless Congress acts to increase the numbers, the FY2005 cap could possibily be depleted even prior to the beginning of FY2005 beginning October 1, 2004.
How to Record Departure from the United States After the Fact - Mar 16, 2004
It is very important for nonimmigrant travelers to turn in their I-94 cards at the airport UPON DEPARTING the United States (some exceptions apply to contiguous territories where the trip will be less than 30 days).
New DOL Wage and Hour Regulations - Mar 8, 2004
Tonkon Torp Wine and Cheese Party to Usher in New DOL Regs: March 31st, 5-6:30 p.m.
Same-Sex Marriage Comes to Multnomah County - Mar 3, 2004
Today, Multnomah County, Oregon became the fourth community in the country to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Reverse Age Discrimination Ruling - Feb 26, 2004
In a case called General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc. v. Cline, the United States Supreme Court decided that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA") does not protect employees over age 40 who are treated less favorably than older employees.
H-1B Cap Reached - No New Numbers Until October - Feb 18, 2004
Today, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a press release announcing that the H-1B cap has been reached and that no new H-1B petitions subject to the cap will be accepted.
New U.S. Passport Requirement - All Minors Must Appear - Feb 13, 2004
The State Department, citing international child abduction and identification concerns, initiated a new requirement this month.
L-1 Intracompany Transferee Category at Risk - Feb 13, 2004
L-1 Intracompany Transferee visas allow employers to transfer employees to the U.S. from related companies abroad. On February 3, 2004, the House International Relations Committee held a hearing, the first in a series of hearings on this issue, which demonstrated the lack of knowledge about the differences between the H-1B and L-1 visas and did not recognize the importance of this visa as a tool to increase foreign investment and create American jobs.
H-1B Numbers Dwindle -- Employers Prepare for Shortage - Jan 23, 2004
H-1B numbers may be depleted as early as within the next 30 days, according to figures recently released by the government.
The Real Estate, Land Use & Environmental Practice Group - Jan 20, 2004
Welcome to Clients and Friends from the Real Estate, Land Use & Environmental Practice Group
Land Use Update - Jan 20, 2004
A recent Oregon Court of Appeals decision clarifies when landowners may recover for inverse condemnation under the state constitution.
Construction Law Update -- Senate Bills 906 and 909 - Jan 20, 2004
The Oregon Legislature passed two important contractor-friendly bills in the 2003 session.
Minority Shareholder Rights: What About Stringer? - Oct 1, 2003
Minority shareholders often allege that those in control of a closely
held corporation have breached their fiduciary duties to them in connection
with the forced termination of the minority’s ownership interest in
the corporation (a “squeeze out”).