Jesse D. Lyon

Partner

Chair, Food + Beverage and Agriculture Practice; Chair, Portland Corporate and Business Transactions Practice

T 503.778.5268 Portland
T 206.622.3150 Seattle
I remind my clients not to confuse "lawyers who are foodies" with experienced "food business lawyers."
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Main Bio Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries Bio Food + Beverage Bio

Events

September 11-14, 2019 Natural Products Expo East

Jesse's No Dabbler Details

 

Hometown: Latah, Wash.

What’s your sweet spot as it relates to this industry?
Strategic counsel and transactions (M&A, joint ventures and supply chain).

What was your favorite food as a kid?
Mom’s chocolate chip cookies.

If you couldn’t be a lawyer, what would you be?
CEO, horticulturalist or Little League batting coach.

Why is food/bev/ag your chosen industry?
Born and raised, studied and worked in food and ag before becoming a lawyer.

What book or song inspires you the most, and why?
The Eagles, "Take It to the Limit."

What is your favorite quote?
"You can spend all your time making money, you can spend all your love making time. If it all fell to pieces tomorrow, will you still be mine?" (See favorite song).

What is your favorite food travel destination, and why?
Port de la Selva, Spain (Fideua).

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Our one-room cabin in the forest (peace and pride of self-construction).

Admitted to Practice

  • Oregon, 1998
  • Washington, 2007

Education

  • J.D., George Mason University School of Law, 1998, with high honors
    • Articles Editor, George Mason Law Review
    • Kleinfeld Fellow of the Food and Drug Law Institute
  • M.S., Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, 1995
  • B.S., Agricultural Economics, Washington State University, 1992, cum laude
    • Harry S. Truman Scholar

Memberships & Affiliations

    • Founder and Host, Farm to Label, Davis Wright Tremaine event, 2013-2016
    • Board of Directors, Zenger Farm
    • General Counsel, Oregon Winegrowers Association
    • Advisory Committee, School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University
    • National Board of Advisors, College of Business, Washington State University
    • Steering Committee, Northwest Agribusiness Executive Seminar
    • Past President, Agricultural Law Section, Oregon State Bar

Professional Recognition

    • Named as one of "America's Leading Lawyers for Business" by Chambers USA in Food & Beverages: Alcohol (Nationwide), 2010-2019; Corporate/M&A (Oregon), 2011-2014, 2018-2019; Named a "Recognised Practioner" for Corporate/M&A, 2019
    • Selected to "Oregon Super Lawyers," Thomson Reuters, 2012-2019
    • “Industry Partner Award,” Oregon Wine Industry, 2006
    • Named as one of the "Forty Under 40," Portland Business Journal, 2004
Ranked in Chambers USA 2019
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