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
Size:
19
Magnifying glass with star icon
Practice Areas:
14
Person outline with Best Lawyers logo
Best Lawyers Recognized:
10

Rankings

National

Tier
2
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
Banking and Finance 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.
Banking and Finance Law
Our bank has had an outstanding experience with attorneys in the Colorado and Dallas-Fort Worth offices of Otteson Shapiro. Due to the frequent overlap between the Denver and DFW markets, the combination of these offices and the quality of work gives this firm a unique advantage for banks operating in the Mid-South and Central Southwest states. The firm's attorneys in both offices have served us well regarding transaction work and litigation.
Steve Wade
Simmons Bank
Insurance Law
The knowledge of our lawyer at Otteson Shapiro was exceptional, and he was very effective and was able to get us the results we wanted from our insurance carrier.
Amy Reitmair
Palace Construction Co., Inc.
Banking and Finance Law
I have dealt mostly with Otteson Shapiro in the banking and financial services areas. Christian and his team are as knowledgeable as any large law firm team I have previously dealt with.
Scott Gesell
Gateway Mortgage Group LLc
Banking and Finance Law
I have found Otteson Shapiro's work in Banking and Finance Law to be unparalleled in the industry. No matter the size of the institution, Otteson Shapiro is equipped to serve the smallest and largest institutions and everything in between. They not only know Banking and Finance, but also care about their clients.
Tony George
President – Kitsap Bank
Insurance Law
Otteson Shapiro is truly an expeditious learner. Otteson Shapiro's work was professional, common sense, found to be quite remarkable over all, expressed genuine concerns over our situation, held sincere and direct conversations with all parties apply legal experiences where applicable, and drove an organized plan and schedule, while eloquently expressing our thoughts and concerns with a firm yet gentleman nature. We are pleased with the outcome, time to achieve the outcome, and will keep Otteson Shapiro in our contact files.
Alden Vanden Brink
Rio Blanco Water Conservancy District
Commercial Litigation
Otteson Shapiro is very professional and prompt. They make you feel like your issues are in good hands.
 
Banking and Finance Law
The team at Otteson Shapiro is the best in the business. There is no competitor. Christian Otteson is one of the last true trusted advisor. His team in Kurt Leeper and Bo Anderson have my confidence and the answers and care we get from the team is consistent from the top down.
Chris Luce
Fortis Private Bank
Banking and Finance Law
We work primarily with John Podvin on bank regulatory matters and he is our primary resource for such matters. In addition to John advising us on particular matters, we regularly refer clients to John for direct engagements. He is very responsive and has deep experience. He has enlisted others at his firm from time to time and we have have very good experiences working with them.
Scott Night
Partner – Haynes & Boone, LLP
Financial Services Regulation Law
The team was very knowledge and responsive. They were great collaborators to aid us in coming to conclusions based on their knowledge and expertise.
Julie Carstensen
Heartland Financial

Rankings

National

Tier
2
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
Banking and Finance Law
Tier
1
Dallas/Fort Worth
Financial Services Regulation 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:
  • Bad Faith
  • Banking
  • Banking Regulatory
  • Bankruptcy and Workouts
  • Capital Markets
  • Director and Officer Liability
  • Employment Practices Liability
  • Foreclosures
  • Life Insurance
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  • Professional Liability
  • Receiverships
  • Regulatory
  • Title Insurance

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Otteson Shapiro LLP proudly has 10 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2026 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
4643 S. Ulster Street, Suite 1300
Denver, CO 80237
United States
Dallas, TX
Partner, Director Financial Services Group
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