Overview
Justin has a practical, “plain-English” approach to practicing law. He works hard to solve problems creatively, instead of focusing on why outcomes don’t seem possible.
Justin’s practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, joint ventures, and other complex transactions. Justin also serves as outside general counsel to dozens of national, regional, and local privately-held companies.
He represents clients in many industries, including auto dealerships, seniors housing, sports, manufacturing, and professional services (engineering, architectural, health care, and legal).
Justin is the past Chair of the Oregon State Bar Business Law Section. He frequently presents legal education courses to lawyers in areas of his expertise.
Outside the office, Justin is passionate about his family, running marathons, backpacking, and fishing. He also enjoys traveling internationally, and speaks conversational Tagalog (Filipino).
Featured Representative Matters
Featured Work
Tonkon Torp Pilots Smooth Landing in Columbia Helicopters Sale
Tonkon Torp led one of Oregon's most notable M&A deals of 2019 for its client, Columbia Helicopters. Founded in 1957, Columbia Helicopters, Inc. (CHI) is one of Oregon's most recognizable brands.
Tonkon Torp Leads Moda Health Through Corporate Restructure and $155 Million Sale
Tonkon Torp led client Moda Health through its high-profile corporate restructure and $155 million stock sale to Delta Dental of California.
Tonkon Torp Helps Create Oregon Benefit Companies
Tonkon Torp client Rogue Creamery became the first Oregon enterprise to become a Benefit Company on January 1, 2014, the date Oregon’s new law went into effect. Find details and more featured cases here.
Community Involvement & Activities
Oregon State Bar Business Section
Past Chair, Executive Committee Member
Oregon State Bar Subcommittee
Oregon Limited Liability Company Act
Oregon Business Corporation Act
City Finance Committee
Past Member
Youth Basketball Coach
Basketball Referee
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association
Awards & Recognition
The Best Lawyers in America
2017-2021, Closely Held Companies & Family Businesses Law
2018-2021, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
2021, Lawyer of the Year – Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Portland
2014, Lawyer of the Year – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Portland
Recent News
Four Tonkon Torp Attorneys Earn Portland Lawyer of the Year Honor
Best Lawyers in America® Includes 49 Tonkon Torp Attorneys on 2021 List
26 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2020 Super Lawyers Lists
Michael Fletcher and Justin Denton Speak at Northwest Dealerships Seminar
2020 List for Best Lawyers in America® Includes 48 Tonkon Torp Attorneys
31 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2019 Super Lawyers Lists
Justin Denton Leads Session on Shareholder Agreement for OSU
Best Lawyers in America® Names 51 Tonkon Torp Attorneys to 2019 List
31 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2018 Super Lawyers Lists
Anna Sortun and Justin Denton Discuss Buy-Sell Provisions at OSB CLE
Publications & Presentations
"I Have a Family Business to Run – Why Should I Worry About a Shareholders Agreement?" Austin Family Business Program, Oregon State University, April 2019
"Best Practices in Crafting and Defending Shareholder Agreements," OSB Business Law Section, June 2018
Panelist, "Succession Planning Thought Leader Forum," Portland Business Journal, May 2018
"Structuring Equity Compensation in Limited Liability Companies and Partnerships," Business Law 2014: From Private M&A to Cybersecurity and Privacy Law, OSB Business Law Section, November 2014
"Buy-Sell Developments for Auto Dealers," 2014 Northwest Dealership Seminar, June 2014
"Spinning Plates – Giving Back and Finding Balance in Life and the Law," J. Reuben Clark Law Society – Portland Chapter, April 2014
"Carefully Structure LLCs to Avoid Unintended Consequences," Daily Journal of Commerce, March 2012
"Protecting Both Ethnic Minorities and the Equal Protection Clause: Resolving the Dilemma of Language-Based Peremptory Challenges," BYU Law Review, 101, 1997