Overview

The attorneys of Otteson Shapiro are nationally recognized for understanding our clients’ businesses, in-depth knowledge of the law, responsiveness to client needs, and cost-effective representation.

In the area of financial restructuring and bankruptcy, we assist lenders (both institutional and non-institutional lenders), creditors, receivers, trustees, debtors, and lessors and tenants with all aspects of debt workout and restructures, bankruptcy and general insolvency, creditor rights, and other performance problems including forced sales and asset dispositions.

In our practices relating to the financial services industry, we assist with federal and state regulatory issues, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, capital structuring, financial and lending transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, anti-money laundering, compliance solutions and vendor management.

In the area of mergers and acquisitions, our transactional attorneys are adept at successfully navigating the big-picture issues at stake in a transaction and structuring transactions to achieve optimal results in a timely fashion. Our transactional attorneys have experience in a broad range of industries.

The following are examples of recent notable transactions involving Otteson Shapiro:

  • Represented a former bank senior executive officer in a Federal Government Investigation involving the failure of the bank.
  • Represented LegacyTexas Financial Group, Inc. the parent company of LegacyTexas Bank, in its $2.1 billion merger with Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. the parent company of Prosperity Bank. The merger closed in November, 2019 and created the third largest bank by deposits in the state of Texas. It was the second largest bank merger in the state’s history.
  • Represented MidWestOne Financial Group, Inc. as legal counsel in its May, 2019 acquisition of ATBancorp. The value of the total deal consideration was approximately $152.9 million.
  • Represented Guaranty Bancorp, the holding company for Guaranty Bank and Trust Company, in its merger with and into Independent Bank Group, Inc., the holding company for Independent Bank. The $1 billion deal closed on January 1, 2019.
  • Represented Trust Company of America (TCA) in its $275 million acquisition by E*Trade Financial (NASDAQ:ETFC).

Our insurance recovery attorneys assist policyholder clients in both first-party (property) and third-party (liability) claims relating to property damage, construction defects, design defects, title claims, errors and omissions, director’s and officer’s liability, financial institution bonds, surety bonds and life insurance.

Otteson Shapiro's real estate attorneys assist clients in the acquisition, sale, leasing and financing of all types of real estate, as well as most types of real estate litigation, including sale disputes, title issues and title insurance claims to mechanics lien and construction defect litigation.

The firm is proud to have been included multiple times on the “Best Law Firms” list from Best Lawyers® and U.S. News & World Report.

Founded:
2001
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
8
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
9

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
3
National Ranking
Financial Services Regulation Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Banking and Finance

Regional

Colorado

Tier
1
Colorado
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Colorado
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Colorado
Insurance Law
Tier
1
Colorado
Litigation - Banking and Finance
Tier
1
Colorado
Real Estate Law

Dallas/Fort Worth

Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Financial Services Regulation Law

Firm Leadership

Highlighted Client Comments

These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Financial Services Regulation Law
I have worked directly and substantively with John Podvin, one of Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson's banking regulatory lawyers. John's industry knowledge and experience are top shelf, and his client attentiveness and dedication to service of their interests is unmatched. I strongly endorse him and his firm.
David Siegal
Mintz Levin
Banking and Finance Law
We consider Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson to be our "go-to" law firm for all corporate needs. We are a $1 billion-plus community bank located outside of Colorado, and Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson helps us in nearly all of our regulatory matters, corporate structure and capital issues, shareholder interaction, mergers and acquisitions, non-bank subsidiaries, real estate matters, and general contracts and agreements. They know our state, our geography, our regulators and our competition. They are well-versed in all the aforementioned areas, and they not only are responsive and understanding, but they also care about our bank and our people. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Tony George
President – Kitsap Bank
Commercial Litigation
As a Court Appointed Receiver I need counsel on some cases. I primarily work with Duncan Barber of Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson. His ability to understand the case and what needs to be done is what makes him so efficient with his billing time. The complaints he drafts spell out all the relevant matters, and he gets the Judge to understand the real issues in the case. I would absolutely recommend this firm.
Eric Grothe
President – The Receiver's Inc.
Insurance Law
Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson, and Steve Shapiro, are a delight to work with. Our companies have relied on their subject matter expertise and strategic insight to achieve positive outcomes, and we give them our highest recommendation.
Jeffrey Bashaw
Hadley Properties
Banking and Finance Law
John Podvin at Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson in Dallas is one of the top attorneys in Dallas for bank regulatory advice.
Scott Night
Partner – Haynes & Boone, LLP
Insurance Law
We had a construction defect case going in multiple directions, with numerous carriers and needed a firm to bring the case back in line. Steve Shapiro and his group at Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson were instrumental in getting all parties to the table, working together for the betterment of the case and protecting our firm in the process. They handled all the insurance negotiations for us throughout the entire settlement process. Their knowledge and understanding of insurance law is outstanding, they do an excellent job managing the process and the monies spent utilizing them was well worth it. I would highly recommend them and wouldn't consider utilizing anyone else.
Dan Zahtila
Black Roofing, Inc.
Financial Services Regulation Law
Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson is my go-to firm for the financial services industry and bank regulatory issues. They are true experts in the area of compliance with bank regulations and, as importantly, bank regulators. They are small, focused, and responsive. They answer the phone when I call. Time and again, they have provided immediate and thoughtful advice based on their years of experience, and they help me and my clients develop and implement strategic solutions. If you believe in hiring lawyers, not law firms, this is a law firm full of lawyers you will want to hire.
Arnold Spencer
Coinsource
Financial Services Regulation Law
I would put Shapiro Bieging Barber Otteson up against any firm in Financial Services Regulation. They have relationships with the regulatory agencies and have incredible expertise in helping to apply Financial Services Regulatory law. They punch above their weight in that they are a smaller firm with excellent professional staff and a great grasp of financial service regulation..
Tony George
President – Kitsap Bank

Rankings

National

Tier
3
National Ranking
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Commercial Litigation
Tier
3
National Ranking
Financial Services Regulation Law
Tier
3
National Ranking
Litigation - Banking and Finance

Regional

Colorado

Tier
1
Colorado
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Colorado
Commercial Litigation
Tier
1
Colorado
Insurance Law
Tier
1
Colorado
Litigation - Banking and Finance
Tier
1
Colorado
Real Estate Law

Dallas/Fort Worth

Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Financial Services Regulation Law
Tier
2
Dallas/Fort Worth
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
3
Dallas/Fort Worth
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier
3
Dallas/Fort Worth
Commercial Litigation
Tier
3
Dallas/Fort Worth
Litigation - Bankruptcy

Practice Areas

Otteson Shapiro LLP has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 8 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Financial Services Regulation Law
  • Insurance Law
  • Litigation - Banking and Finance
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Real Estate Law

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Otteson Shapiro LLP proudly has 9 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Client Comments

A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
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Firm News

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May 8, 2020
Does my Insurance Cover Loss of Income from COVID-19?
Read Article Does my Insurance Cover Loss of Income from COVID-19?
November 1, 2019
SBBO Represents LegacyTexas Financial Group in $2.1 billion Merger
Read Article SBBO Represents LegacyTexas Financial Group in $2.1 billion Merger
August 23, 2019
Acquisition Activator: What it's like to be counsel for some of the biggest regional bank mergers
Read Article Acquisition Activator: What it's like to be counsel for some of the biggest regional bank mergers

Offices & Contacts

Denver, CO
7979 East Tufts Avenue, Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80237
United States
Dallas, TX
Partner, Director Financial Services Group
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