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Leroy J. Tornquist

Professor of Law Emeritus

Headshot of Leroy J. Tornquist

Contact Information

Salem Campus

Address
Oregon Civic Justice Center 202
790 State St.
Salem  Oregon  97301
U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6183

Biography

Leroy J. Tornquist practiced law with the firm of King, Robin, Gale and Pillinger in Chicago. He was counsel to the firm from 1971 to 1977. During this time he also served as associate dean and director of trial advocacy at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. From 1977 to 1978, he was a visiting professor of law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

Professor Tornquist served as dean of Willamette University College of Law from 1979 to 1986. From 1998 to 2000, he served as chair for the Council of Oregon Law School Deans and Former Deans and helped review Oregon citizen initiatives for constitutionality and constitutional appropriateness. He taught Civil Procedure, Evidence, Negotiation and Trial Advocacy.

Professor Tornquist lead Willamette's Trial Practice Program, which he brought to Willamette. The course revolutionized the way trial practice was taught throughout the country. Before then, it was not an experiential course; it was taught only through lecture.

Professor Tornquist has written books and articles on evidence, negotiation, trial practice, civil procedure and dispute resolution and also lectures on these topics. He is active in various civic organizations, including serving as chair of Salem’s Team Riverfront development group. He occasionally acts as a pro tem Oregon Circuit Court judge and as an arbitrator for the employment relations board. He served as president of the Salem City Club from 1997 to 1998.

In March 2007, the law school student body voted him Professor of the Year.

Education

  • JD, Northwestern University
  • BS, Northwestern University
Willamette University

Faculty Support

Address
Willamette University
College of Law
245 Winter Street SE
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
(503) 370-6405