James E. Torgerson

Jim is an Alaska-based partner in the firm’s Litigation Group. Over the last 30 years, he has tried to conclusion in excess of 40 cases, most to federal or state juries. He has handled more than 30 appeals, arguing cases in the Alaska Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Jim’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation, with an emphasis on commercial, corporate and property issues.

In its recent annual survey of America’s best attorneys for business, Chambers and Partners reported that sources say Jim is “wise beyond his years. He’s just the guy you’d call to say ‘Help, what do I do?’” The Best Lawyers in America© selected Jim as Litigation – Environmental “Lawyer of the Year” for Anchorage for 2012, 2016 and 2018; Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions “Lawyer of the Year” for Anchorage for 2017; and Litigation – Real Estate “Lawyer of the Year” for Anchorage for 2015. Super Lawyers® repeatedly has selected Jim as one of the “Top 10” lawyers in Alaska.

Jim has represented major oil and gas companies, Alaska Native corporations, electric utilities, telecommunications companies, professional services firms, nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Jim currently serves as the firm’s Managing Partner. He oversees the firm’s strategic management in concert with the firm’s Executive Committee and administrative leadership team. Jim came to Stoel Rives from Heller Ehrman LLP, where he was managing shareholder of its Anchorage office for 10 years. Before that, he was chief of the civil division (four years) and chief of the criminal division (two years) in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska, and a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Alaska in Washington, D.C.