Todd R. Johnston

Todd has been practicing complex business litigation for over 20 years and has been a partner of the firm and litigation practice group leader for over a decade. He is AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell and listed as one of the Best Lawyers in America.

Todd is licensed in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, as well as admitted to practice before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Though he handles a variety of cases, the bulk of Todd’s practice involves complex and high stakes or “bet the company” business litigation. He also regularly advises our clients in the manufacturing and construction industries in contract negotiation and early dispute resolution.

Outside the courtroom, Todd has recently served as President of the Lane County Bar Association and currently serves on the Boards of BRING Recycling and the Eugene Civic Alliance.  Todd also enjoys fly fishing, kitesurfing, and golf.  He is a member of the Deschutes Club and spends a significant amount of time on the Deschutes River with his family and visiting extended family on the southern Oregon coast.

Areas of Expertise

Contract Law and Uniform Commercial Code
Construction Law
Employment Law
Environmental Law
Shareholder, Partner and Member Business Disputes

The types of cases that Todd has litigated over the years vary widely. A few representative cases include:

Prosecuting a claim for breach of a real property and communications tower lease against several television broadcast companies. After a multi-week arbitration, client was awarded damages, costs, and attorney fees in excess of $800,000.

Defending a local manufacturer in a multi-week jury trial against claims of breach of contract for approximately $40 million. The jury found in favor of the local manufacturer and it was entitled to recover attorney fees and costs incurred.

Defending a large direct-broadcast satellite service provider against the owner of several television stations who, unsuccessfully, tried to interrupt service to thousands of local customers as a negotiation tool.

Prosecuting a breach of contract claim for a manufacturer of recycling equipment in international arbitration against a buyer for approximately $2 million. The buyer counterclaimed seeking damages in excess of $20 million. After approximately four weeks of arbitration, we obtained an award in excess of $2 million, attorney fees, and costs.

  • Eugene Civic Alliance, Board Member
  • BRING Recycling, Board Member
  • Lane County Bar Association, President 2018-19
  • University of Oregon School of Law, Speaker on litigation topics and trial practice
  • Willamette Alpine Racing Program, Coach, Board Member
  • Statewide Co-chair, Oregon Campaign for Equal Justice
  • Deschutes Club, Board Member
  • Steering Committee for the Lane County Campaign for Equal Justice, Co-chair
  • Lane County Bar Association Environmental Law Section, Chair
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers since 2013
  • Lane County Planning Commissioner (past)
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated for nearly 20 years

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