Timothy B. Crippen
Managing Partner
Tim Crippen is a business attorney who advises closely held businesses, owners, investors, and institutions on transactions, governance, and ownership transitions. He is often asked to lead or coordinate cross‑disciplinary teams, addressing distressed business transactions, high‑stakes partner and shareholder exits, and sensitive, consequential business, regulatory, and governance disputes. Tim is also the Managing Partner of Black Helterline LLP, where he oversees firm operations and long‑term strategic planning.
Personal
Outside of work, Tim reads novels, listens to music, plays golf, and spends time with his family.
- Representation of Oregon State University in Pac-12 athletic conference rebuild, including litigation, business legal due diligence, settlement negotiation, and commercial joint venture and media rights contract negotiation.
- Sale of building products distributor, along with associated real estate in multiple locations, on accelerated timeline.
- Strategic acquisition of regional competitor to expand brand portfolio for consumer-packaged goods company.
- Representation of real estate developer in deed-in-lieu transaction with respect to downtown Portland high-rise development.
- Representation of creditor and stalking-horse bidder in Section 363 transaction.
- Sale of materials handling distributor to national strategic buyer.
- Representation of numerous start-ups in technology, food and beverage, and athletics.
- Member of the Executive Committee, Oregon State Bar Business Law Section, 2023-present
- Member, Oregon State Bar (Business Law; Real Estate and Land Use; Tax Sections)
- Member, American Bar Association (Business Law and Tax Law Sections)
- Former Chair and Board Member, Wordstock, 2011–2014
- Author, The Lawyer’s Role in the Pac-12 Rebuild, Oregon State Bar Business Law Section Newsletter, December 2024.
- Speaker, The Pac-12 Matter: A Business Lawyer’s Role in High-Stakes Litigation, November 8, 2024
- Moderator, Mergers and Acquisitions panel, November 10, 2023
Tim is actively involved in nonprofit leadership and community service. He serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors of Blanchet House and has supported arts and literary organizations in the Portland community through prior board leadership roles.