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Overview
Widely recognized for trial excellence during his past 35 years of practice, Dan represents both plaintiffs and defendants in their complex commercial litigation and disputes. He was the 2010-2012 State Chair of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is a fellow and past state chair in the International Society of Barristers. In 2015, Dan was named a Senior Statesman by Chambers.
Dan's background includes litigation involving securities, corporate governance, energy, and general business issues. He regularly represents clients in cases involving the jurisdiction of U.S. courts over international transactions, disputes, and enforcement of judgments.
The defense of securities class actions and derivative claims is a particular area of achievement for Dan. He represents clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Dan’s IP litigation experience includes enforcement of high tech firms' noncompetition and trade secrets agreements.
Dan frequently serves as a mediator or arbitrator in commercial and other complex disputes. His listings in Best Lawyers in America include ADR services. In addition, he regularly testifies as an expert witness on attorneys' fee issues.
Here is a link to an October, 2018 article featuring Dan as a giant in Oregon corporation litigation.
Following law school, Dan served for four years as a captain in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.
A prolific writer, Dan has authored more than 20 CLE articles on substantive areas of the law and trial practice techniques, and recently served as co-editor of the 2012 two-volume Oregon State Bar CLE Oregon Civil Pleading and Practice.
For several years, he has served as co-editor of the Oregon State Bar’s Oregon Civil Pleading and Practice Manual.
Dan’s 2019 article, “Why Not Trials Instead of Depositions?” was published in both the ABA Litigation Journal and the American Board of Trial Advocates' Voir Dire publication. In 2014, his article, “Cross-Examination: Torching the Calendar,” was published by the ABA Litigation Section for The Art of Cross-Examination: Essays from the Bench and Bar.
In 2015 Dan presented to the Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section on cross examination as part of their "Advanced Litigation Skills Series." He also was invited to speak at the Oregon State Bar's 22nd Annual Litigation Institute, where he discussed his litigation experience in a master class panel alongside several of Oregon's top litigators.
Dan's background includes litigation involving securities, corporate governance, energy, and general business issues. He regularly represents clients in cases involving the jurisdiction of U.S. courts over international transactions, disputes, and enforcement of judgments.
The defense of securities class actions and derivative claims is a particular area of achievement for Dan. He represents clients regionally, nationally, and internationally. Dan’s IP litigation experience includes enforcement of high tech firms' noncompetition and trade secrets agreements.
Dan frequently serves as a mediator or arbitrator in commercial and other complex disputes. His listings in Best Lawyers in America include ADR services. In addition, he regularly testifies as an expert witness on attorneys' fee issues.
Here is a link to an October, 2018 article featuring Dan as a giant in Oregon corporation litigation.
Following law school, Dan served for four years as a captain in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps.
A prolific writer, Dan has authored more than 20 CLE articles on substantive areas of the law and trial practice techniques, and recently served as co-editor of the 2012 two-volume Oregon State Bar CLE Oregon Civil Pleading and Practice.
For several years, he has served as co-editor of the Oregon State Bar’s Oregon Civil Pleading and Practice Manual.
Dan’s 2019 article, “Why Not Trials Instead of Depositions?” was published in both the ABA Litigation Journal and the American Board of Trial Advocates' Voir Dire publication. In 2014, his article, “Cross-Examination: Torching the Calendar,” was published by the ABA Litigation Section for The Art of Cross-Examination: Essays from the Bench and Bar.
In 2015 Dan presented to the Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section on cross examination as part of their "Advanced Litigation Skills Series." He also was invited to speak at the Oregon State Bar's 22nd Annual Litigation Institute, where he discussed his litigation experience in a master class panel alongside several of Oregon's top litigators.
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Get To Know

Throughout his 35 years of practice, Dan has received accolades from the Oregon and national legal community for his litigation practice. With the publication of Farm Boy: Growing up Progressive in Rural America, he now adds author to his credentials. Dan has long known that jurors love hearing adages gleaned from his farm-boy childhood, and felt the time was right to publish his family lore for a broader audience. In his memoir, Dan reflects on growing up on a Montana farm established by grandparents who immigrated from Ireland to homestead and establish a new life in America. He mixes lighthearted adventures of farm life with his brothers and sisters, one being his twin, with thoughtful commentary on charged social issues such as immigration and rural development that resonate with today’s societal conversations.
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Featured Representative Matters
William Davis et al. v. Cascade Tanks LLC et al.
Successfully abated breach of contract and business tort claims against foreign client, enforcing foreign arbitration agreement, 2014, U.S. District Court for Oregon, case NO. 3:13-cv—2119-MO.
Amen v. Roberts
$5.1 million arbitration award, reduced to judgment, February 2009, Josephine County, Oregon.
Star-Wood v. Swanson et al.
Plaintiff's verdict, 2008 breach of fiduciary duty claim.
Johnson et al. v. Buchanan Ingersoll
$850,000 verdict in 2008 legal malpractice case.
Broker-Dealer Mediation
Successful mediation of multiple plaintiffs' claims against a broker-dealer, 2008.
State of Oregon v. Philip Morris Incorporated
Served as one of the legal team members representing the state in Big Tobacco litigation which resulted in a $2.25 billion state settlement.
PPM Energy, Inc. v. Black Hills Power, Inc.
Represented the plaintiff, an energy marketing company, in arbitration claims, for breach of an energy exchange agreement. Client was awarded $1.7 million in damages and favorable declaratory relief. In this private arbitration matter, the award was reduced to judgment in District Court, Jefferson County Colorado.
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway v. Gunderson Inc.
Obtained summary judgment for our client, the defendant, to defeat a $14 million products liability claim in Texas arising from a train derailment.
Gray and Company v. Archer Daniels Midland Company et al.
Successfully prosecuted plaintiffs’ antitrust case alleging price-fixing conspiracy by high fructose and corn syrup producers. Following successful appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, we negotiated a favorable settlement.
Word Logic v. Hewlett Packard
Settlement of plaintiff’s copyright infringement claims reported in Word Logic SEC filing (http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1139614/000110313204000042/wlq0604.htm).
Allen v. OHSU
Successfully represented Oregon Health & Science University in defense of a whistleblower complaint.
eFusion v. Zuber
Obtained injunction enforcing high tech firm’s non-competition and trade secrets agreement.
Power Medical System v. Intermedics
Obtained $9 million plaintiff’s verdict resulting from failed merger of a medical device company.
Eischen v. Avia et. al.
Defended a class action shareholder claim through to completed trial, challenging Avia-Reebok merger.
Midway-Sunset Cogeneration Company v. Southern California Gas
Achieved a judgment valued at more than $9 million for a breach of contract case involving a cogeneration facility.
Nevada Cogeneration Associates v. Nevada Power Company
Awarded $1.3 million in arbitration for cogenerator against a utility for improper curtailment.
Evergreen International Airlines v. Pan Am
Reclaimed leased aircraft from Pan Am bankruptcy on behalf of a private aviation company.
Estates of Renae and Lola Cottam v. Nelson (Coos County Circuit Court, No. 14-CV-0085)
2014 judgment in wrongful death action of $2 million.
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Featured Work
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Community Involvement & Activities
Oregon State Bar
Civil Jury Instructions Committee, Past Member
Civil Rights Section, Past Chair
2014, Military and Veterans Law Section, Treasurer
2003–2006, House of Delegates Member
Citizens' Coalition for Court Funding
Past Board Member
United States Supreme Court Historical Society
2013–2014, Oregon State Membership Chair
Campaign for Equal Justice
2014–2016, Co-Chair, Large Firm Committee
Oregon State Parks Trust
Board of Trustees
Past Chairman
World Trade Club
Past President
Past Director
Cathedral School
Past Advisory Board
Civil Jury Instructions Committee, Past Member
Civil Rights Section, Past Chair
2014, Military and Veterans Law Section, Treasurer
2003–2006, House of Delegates Member
Citizens' Coalition for Court Funding
Past Board Member
United States Supreme Court Historical Society
2013–2014, Oregon State Membership Chair
Campaign for Equal Justice
2014–2016, Co-Chair, Large Firm Committee
Oregon State Parks Trust
Board of Trustees
Past Chairman
World Trade Club
Past President
Past Director
Cathedral School
Past Advisory Board
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Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
American College of Trial Lawyers
2013-2015, Chair, ACTL Jury Committee
2010-2012, State Chair, Oregon
Federal Bar Association
International Society of Barristers
Past State Chair
Multnomah Bar Association
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Past Director
American College of Trial Lawyers
2013-2015, Chair, ACTL Jury Committee
2010-2012, State Chair, Oregon
Federal Bar Association
International Society of Barristers
Past State Chair
Multnomah Bar Association
Oregon Association of Defense Counsel
Past Director
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Awards & Recognition
The Best Lawyers in America
2006–201, Arbitration
2006–2021, Bet-the-Company Litigation
2006–2021, Commercial Litigation
2006–2021, Mediation
2016, Lawyer of the Year – Bet-the-Company Litigation
2006–2021, Bet-the-Company Litigation
2006–2021, Commercial Litigation
2006–2021, Mediation
2016, Lawyer of the Year – Bet-the-Company Litigation

Super Lawyers
2006-2020, Oregon Super Lawyer – Business Litigation
2007, 2009-2015, Top 50 Oregon Super Lawyers
2014, Top 10 Oregon Super Lawyers
2007, 2009-2015, Top 50 Oregon Super Lawyers
2014, Top 10 Oregon Super Lawyers
Benchmark Litigation
2011-2017, Litigation Star
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Recent News
8.20.2020
Best Lawyers in America® Includes 49 Tonkon Torp Attorneys on 2021 List
Forty-nine Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 36 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. A majority of attorneys have been named to the peer-review list in past years, and most have been recognized for more…
7.7.2020
26 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2020 Super Lawyers Lists
Twenty-six Tonkon Torp attorneys in nine practice areas have been included in the 2020 Oregon Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. Tonkon Torp partner and bankruptcy authority Albert N. Kennedy has been once again recognized on the Top 50 list of…
8.15.2019
2020 List for Best Lawyers in America® Includes 48 Tonkon Torp Attorneys
Forty-eight Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 39 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2020. A majority of attorneys have been named to the list in past years, and most have been recognized for more than five…
7.16.2019
31 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2019 Super Lawyers Lists
Thirty-one Tonkon Torp attorneys in nine practice areas have been included in the 2019 Oregon Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists.
4.29.2019
Chambers USA Names 23 Tonkon Torp Attorneys in 2019 Ranking
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has recognized 23 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas in its 2019 USA Guide.
4.10.2019
Dan Skerritt Advocates for Limits on Depositions in Litigation Journal Article
Tonkon Torp litigator Dan Skerritt has an article published in the Winter 2019 issue of the American Bar Association's Litigation Journal. In the article, "Why Not Trials Instead of Depositions?," Dan argues that limiting the use of depositions is…
8.17.2018
Best Lawyers in America® Names 51 Tonkon Torp Attorneys to 2019 List
Fifty-one Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 41 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2019. Nearly all attorneys have been named to the list in past years, and have been recognized for more than five years
7.24.2018
31 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2018 Super Lawyers Lists
Thirty-one Tonkon Torp attorneys in 11 practice areas have been included in the 2018 Oregon Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists. Tonkon Torp partner and bankruptcy authority Albert Kennedy has been once again recognized on the Top 50 list of Oregon…
6.4.2018
Chambers USA Names 20 Tonkon Torp Attorneys as Leaders in Their Field
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named 20 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas as leaders in their field for 2018. The annual reference directory ranks Oregon’s leading lawyers based on interviews with clients and…
8.16.2017
Best Lawyers in America® Names 49 Tonkon Torp Attorneys to 2018 List
Forty-nine Tonkon Torp lawyers representing 39 practice areas have been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018. Nearly all attorneys have been named to the list in past years, and have been recognized for more than five years…
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Publications & Presentations
"Why Not Trials Instead of Depositions?" Voir Dire, American Board of Trial Advocates, Summer 2019
"Why Not Trials Instead of Depositions?" Litigation Journal, American Bar Association, Winter 2019
"Cross-Examination: Torching the Calendar," The Art of Cross-Examination: Essays from the Bench and Bar, ABA Litigation Section, 2014
"Why Not Trials Instead of Depositions?" Litigation Journal, American Bar Association, Winter 2019
"Cross-Examination: Torching the Calendar," The Art of Cross-Examination: Essays from the Bench and Bar, ABA Litigation Section, 2014