Griffith J. Tonkin

Mr. Tonkin was born and raised in northern California. He graduated from the University of California Davis in 2000. Mr. Tonkin attended law school at the University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law. Mr. Tonkin focused on trial advocacy while at McGeorge. He was regularly on the Dean’s List and graduated near the top of his class. Mr. Tonkin was both a writer and editor for the McGeorge Law Review. While in law school, Mr. Tonkin competed on the mock trial team for McGeorge which was voted the best in the United States west of the Mississippi his graduation year. He was also awarded top advocate honors in the nation’s premier mock trial competition, was inducted in the National Order of Barristers and received the Lewis F. Powell Medal for Excellence in Advocacy.

Mr. Tonkin and Mr. Arthofer formed the Arthofer & Tonkin Law Offices on May 1, 2009. Mr. Tonkin’s practice focuses on trial advocacy. He represents a range of clients, including those who have suffered the most drastic injuries as well as those with more modest claims but are still in need of excellent representation. Additionally, Mr. Tonkin's clients include some of the nation's largest companies, governmental entities, as well as individuals and local businesses. He has handled multimillion dollar wrongful death, premises liability, products liability, and claims involving public entities. Mr. Tonkin has handled complicated property loss cases including wild land fires and major flood loss actions with damages in the tens of millions of dollars.

Mr. Tonkin has obtained very favorable results for his clients through the use of vigorous advocacy in the litigation process. Mr. Tonkin is admitted to practice before all of the courts of the State of California as well as the Eastern and Northern Federal District Courts in California.

In his time away from the office, Mr. Tonkin enjoys time with his family, fitness activities ranging from running to boxing and mountain biking to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He also enjoys a wide range of outdoor activities and shooting sports.

Attorney Resume

Law License:

State of California - May 17, 2003.

Jurisdiction Admissions:

The State Courts of California - December 3, 2003; United States District Court for the Eastern District of California - February 12, 2004; United States District Court for the Northern District of California - June 2007; California Supreme Court - December 3, 2003.

Professional Memberships:

State Bar of California - 2003 to present; Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Association - 2003 to present, Secretary/Treasurer May 2005 - 2006, President 2006 - 2008; National Order of Barristers - 2003 to present.

Legal Education:

• McGeorge School of Law.
• Juris Doctorate, May 17, 2003.
• Class standing - top twenty percent.
• National Trial Advocacy Team; writer and primary editor for Pacific Law Review.

Pre-Law Education:

• University of California at Davis - B.A.
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
• Dean’s Honor List.

Description of Legal Experience:

Broad civil litigation experience, including all aspects of personal injury litigation, insurance defense litigation, business litigation, and real estate litigation. Representation has included all aspects of litigation from the beginning of the claim through jury verdict. Mr. Tonkin has appellate experience which has included multiple oral arguments before the California Court of Appeal. Mr. Tonkin has litigated cases ranging from automobile accidents, catastrophic injuries, slip and falls, wrongful death actions, and product liability cases. His cases have taken him across state lines and international borders.

Presentations and Community Involvement:

• Trial Skills Presenter - Shasta Youth Violence Prevention Counsel, 2004 - 2015.
• Presenter, California Chiropractor's Association North District.
• Trial Skills Presenter – Classical Conversations 2021-2022.
• Cross Pointe Community Church.
• Foothill Area Little League 2011-2019.