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People > Attorney > William (Rick) F. Martson Jr.
William (Rick) F. Martson Jr.

William (Rick) F. Martson Jr.

RETIRED PARTNER/INACTIVE

503.802.2005
rick.martson@tonkon.com
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Overview

Rick is now retired. When Rick was active professionally this was his biography.

Rick has a broad range of commercial litigation experience, including securities, shareholders rights, defense of accountants, natural resources-based and environmental litigation. He has tried over 200 cases and more than 75 injunctive proceedings to conclusion.

Examples of some of the cases Rick has handled are:

  • Mark Newby, et al. v. Enron Corp., et al. and Pamela M. Tittle, et al. v. Enron Corp., et al., Defended a former Vice-Chair of the Board and an executive officer in all of the Enron-related litigation and matters;
  • Securities and Exchange Commission v. J. Kenneth Stringer, III, et al. and United States of America v. J. Kenneth Stringer; III, et al.  Defended FLIR's former CEO in an SEC investigation, an enforcement proceeding and in a criminal prosecution. The criminal prosecution was dismissed then reversed on appeal.  U.S. v. Stringer, 408 F. Supp.2d 1083 (D. Or. 2006), reversed, 521 F.3d 1189 (9th Cir.), amended, 535 F.3d 929 (9th Cir. 2008). Both the criminal and enforcement proceedings were settled.
  • Wayne C. Van Zwoll v. William Swindells, et al. and Willamette Industries, Inc., et al., and related cases. 219 OR App 16 (2008). Defended the non-Weyerhaeuser appointed board members in an action related to Weyerhaeuser's hostile tender offer for Willamette Industries;
  • In re Louisiana-Pacific Corp. Securities Litigation, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, Case No. 95-707-JO; In re Louisiana-Pacific Corp. Derivative Litigation, New Castle County, Delaware Chancery Court Consolidated C.A. No. 14322; In re Louisiana-Pacific Inner-Seal™ Siding Products Liability Litigation, U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, Case No. 95-879-JO-LEAD. Represented Louisiana-Pacific’s former Chairman and CEO, Harry A. Merlo, in these securities, derivative and products liability class actions;
  • Melridge, Inc. v. Heublein, et al. Case started as an internal investigation by the Board of Directors concerning alleged wrongdoing by insiders. Ended with a Chapter 11 proceeding, injunctive relief and a $150 million judgment against the principal wrongdoer;
  • Medford Corporation v. Simmons, Case No. 84-847 (D. Or. May 9, 1985) Defended Medford Corp. from a hostile tender offer by Harold Simmons and his group;
  • Kahn, et al. v. Robert A. Sprouse, II, et al., 842 F Supp 423 (D. Or. 1993). Successfully obtained summary judgment on behalf of directors in the face of allegations of misdeeds by minority shareholders. This is the seminal case in our district upholding the validity of investigations by independent committees of boards of directors;
  • Lewis v. Chiles, et al. 719F2d 1044 (9th Cir 1983). On behalf of Fred G. Meyer's Estate, defeated a challenge to the acquisition of Fred Meyer by KKR;
  • In the Matter of the Estate of Reuben Lenske, Case No. CMCR 0111921007; Moshe Lenske & Judith Temko v. Shirlee Lenske, et al., Case No. 0202-01510; Skyline Investments, Inc. V. Shirlee Lenske, et al., Case No. 0205-04675. Successfully represented two children of Reuben Lenske who brought various claims against his widow and others, including for tortious interference with prospective inheritance. After a seven-week jury trial, the jury awarded our clients 100% of the estate;
  • Columbia Management Co. v. Wyss. 765 P2d 207 (94 Or App 195, 1988). Obtained a multimillion-dollar recovery in this dissenting shareholder case. This is the seminal case in Oregon on dissenter's rights;
  • PGE v. Warm Springs Tribes, USDC. On behalf of Portland General Electric, overturned a $225 million arbitration award regarding PGE's obligations to the Warm Springs Indians;
  • In Re Baldwin United Bankruptcy. Represented the petitioning creditors in what at the time was the largest involuntary bankruptcy ever filed;
  • In Re Rajneesh Neo-Sannyas International Commune. For the primary petitioning creditor in the involuntary bankruptcy of one of the Rajneesh entities, obtained an interim trustee and, through this and other related international actions, obtained almost 100¢ on the dollar repayment for our client who had advanced approximately $2 million;
  • PGE v. AMAX, Inc., 909 F2d 1577 (9th Cir 1990). This was one of several proceedings against AMAX concerning PGE’s long-term coal supply agreement for PGE's Boardman electric generating plant. As a result of these proceedings, PGE was able to resume operating the Boardman plant;
  • John D. Graham v. Deloitte & Touche LLP, et al. and William J. Graham v. Deloitte & Touche LLP, et al. Defended Deloitte & Touche LLP in a negligent misrepresentation and Blue Sky case;
  • INA v. Deloitte & Touche LLP, et al. Defended Deloitte & Touche LLP in a subrogation claim brought by Tektronix's insurer;
  • BPA v. WPPSS, 956 F2d 1497 (9th Cir 1992). Represented PGE in the cost sharing and several other litigated aspects of the WPPSS debacle;
  • Henderson v. Lee. Obtained a $3 million jury verdict in this case involving fraud in the sale of a business;
  • Harold A. Miller, et al. V. United States, 620 F2d 812 (223 Ct Cl 352, 1980). Obtained an approximately $17 million judgment after a four-week trial in the Court of Claims;
  • United States of America v. United States National Bank of Oregon as Trustee for the Nonwithdrawing Members of the Klamath Indian Tribe. Obtained a judgment for $130,540,000 in this case involving the condemnation of the Klamath Indian Forest;
  • County of Josephine, et al. v. James G. Watt, et al., 539 F Supp 696 (ND CA 1982). Represented timber companies, counties and citizens groups who opposed the inclusion of Five Rivers in northern California in the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. We obtained a temporary restraining order against opposition by the government and numerous environmental groups;
  • Oregon Trail Electric Consumer Cooperative, Inc. v. Catalyst Energy, et al. Represented Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative, Inc. in a PURPA contract dispute. The case settled to the satisfaction of our client; and
  • Wholesale Electricity Antitrust Cases I and II and The People of the State of California v. Portland General Electric Company, et al. Defended a utility in a variety of litigation arising out of the California energy crisis.
Rick attended the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, and received a B.A. in 1969 from Washington & Jefferson College, magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa; and a J.D. in 1972 from the University of Michigan, magna cum laude, where he was awarded Order of the Coif. He began his legal career as an associate in 1972 at Davies, Biggs, Strayer, Stoel and Boley in Portland. In 1974, he joined Tonkon Torp LLP as an associate, becoming a partner in 1978. He became of counsel in 2014.

Rick was the 2009-2010 President of the International Society of Barristers. He became a fellow of the International Society of Barristers in 1995. In 1999 he was appointed to the Board and in 2009 he became President of that organization. Rick served on the Oregon Historical Society Board from 1990–2009, serving as President during 1997–1999; Treasurer during 1994–1997; and Assistant Treasurer during 1992–1994. Other activities include past membership on the Boards for the Oregon Trail Foundation, Molalla Elementary School District #35 Board – Chairperson, 1991–1993, and the Albertina-Kerr Center for Children – Past Treasurer.

In 2006, Rick taught at Tyumen State University in Siberia under the auspices of the Center for International Legal Studies in Salzburg, Austria. For the past 12 years he has been invited to participate as a faculty member for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) at various programs. Presently, Rick is a Visiting Professor at Willamette University College of Law teaching Trial Practice and Deposition Skills.
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Featured Work

Tonkon Torp Looks Back at Wild Wild Rajneeshee Cases

The popular Netflix series, Wild Wild Country, has placed the compelling story of the Rajneeshee cult community back in the spotlight. Led by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh and Ma Anand Sheela, the commune was active in Wasco County, Oregon during the early 1980s. Tonkon Torp attorneys were involved in three well-documented lawsuits that helped to halt the fraudulent actions of the Rajneeshees and restore assets to former members of the cult.

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Community Involvement & Activities


Northwest Highland Cattle Association
Board Member

International Society of Barristers
2009–2010, President
1999–2011, Member, Board of Directors

International Society of Barristers Foundation
2011–2016, Officer, Board of Directors
2010–2016, Member, Board of Directors

Congress of Fellows of the Center for International Legal Studies, Salzburg, Austria
Member

Oregon Historical Society
1990–2009, Board of Directors
1997–1999, President
1994–1997, Treasurer
1992–1994, Assistant Treasurer

Oregon Trail Foundation
1994–1996–, Board of Directors

Molalla Elementary School
1991–1993, District #35 Board – Chairperson

Albertina-Kerr Center for Children
1985–1990, Board Member
Treasurer (2 years)

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Professional Memberships

International Society of Barristers
Congress of Fellows of the Center for International Legal Studies, Salzburg, Austria
American Association for Justice
Federal Bar Association
Multnomah Bar Association
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Awards & Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America

The Best Lawyers in America

2005–2016, 2018–2020, Bet-the-Company Litigation
2005–2020, Commercial Litigation
2005–2020, Litigation: Banking & Finance
2005–2020, Litigation: Environmental
2005–2020, Litigation: Regulatory Enforcement
2005–2020, Litigation: Securities
2012, 2015, Lawyer of the Year - Litigation: Banking & Finance, Portland
2014, Lawyer of the Year - Litigation: Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Portland
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers

2004–2019, Litigation: General Commercial Law
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers

2006-2019, Oregon Super Lawyer – Business Litigation
2006-2013, Oregon Super Lawyer – Environmental Law (Administrative/Regulatory, Land Use and Zoning)

Benchmark Litigation

2011–2014, Litigation Star
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Recent News

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…
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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.
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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.
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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
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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…
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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…
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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…
Read More
7.11.2017

28 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Honored on 2017 Super Lawyers Lists

The national attorney rating service Super Lawyers has named 28 Tonkon Torp attorneys in 10 practice areas to its 2017 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for Oregon. The annual Super Lawyers list represents the top 5 percent of attorneys in Oregon…
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3.27.2017

18 Tonkon Torp Attorneys Named Leaders in Their Field by Peers and Clients

Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business has named 18 Tonkon Torp attorneys in seven practice areas as leaders in their field for 2017. The annual reference directory ranks Oregon’s leading lawyers based on interviews with clients and…
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9.22.2016

Tonkon Torp Offers Trial Practice Program for Associates

As the overall number of trials decreases, new attorneys have limited opportunity to practice and hone courtroom advocacy skills. Because there is no substitute for examining live witnesses, Tonkon Torp trial lawyer William F. (“Rick”) Martson, Jr…
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Services

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Education

J.D., magna cum laude, University of Michigan Law School, 1972, Order of the Coif

B.A., magna cum laude, Washington & Jefferson College, 1969, Phi Beta Kappa

University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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Bar & Court Admissions

Oregon State Bar (Inactive)
Oregon Circuit Court
U.S. District Court, District of Oregon
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims
U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
U.S. Supreme Court
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