Dennis Otten is a partner with the firm; he is Chair of the Public Finance Group and also a member of the firm’s Utilities Group. He concentrates his practice in public finance and economic development matters. Dennis serves as bond counsel to a wide range of issuers throughout the state, including but not limited to municipalities, counties, school corporations, special taxing districts, regional utility districts, nonprofit corporations, bond banks, housing authorities and other bond issuing entities. He also routinely serves as underwriter’s counsel, trustee counsel, issuer’s counsel, developer’s counsel and special counsel on bond financings. His practice frequently includes the establishment and amendment of tax increment financing districts, advice on property tax abatements and the preparation of economic development agreements, as well as advice on federal tax and securities law matters relating to tax-exempt bonds. Dennis earned his B.A. from Indiana University and his juris doctorate, cum laude, from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law - Indianapolis. He was the recipient of the Indianapolis Bar Association 2003 Young Lawyer of the Year Award and is a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and the Indiana Municipal Lawyers Association. Dennis has provided numerous presentations on municipal finance and utility matters, including presentations before Accelerate Indiana Municipalities, Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, Indiana Waterworks Association and Indiana Rural Water Association.
Honors / Awards
Best Lawyers Indianapolis Lawyer of the Year (Public Finance Law, 2016); The Best Lawyers in America (Public Finance Law, 2011-2026); Chambers USA (Public Finance, 2025); Indianapolis Bar Association 2003 Young Lawyer of the Year Award
Appearances / Publications
'Summary of RDC Reporting Actions ' Bose McKinney & Evans Client Alert (2019); ' U.S. Security and Exchange Commission Changes to Rule 15c2-12 ' Bose McKinney & Evans Client Alert (2019); 'Waterworks Rate Setting and Project Financing', Indiana Rural Water Association (2011, 2010); 'Ensuring Adequate Revenues To Maintain Utilities', Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (2010); 'Elimination of Outside City Subsidies', Indiana American Waterworks Association (2008); 'Bond Issues and Accounting', Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (2008); 'Current Trends in Rate Making', Indiana Association of Cities and Towns (2007); 'Show Me the Money - How to Fund Your Project', Alliance of Indiana Rural Water (2007); 'Basic Legal Concepts For Establishing Utility Rates', Indiana Bar Association (2006); 'Waterworks Rate Increases', Indiana Rural Water Association (2006)
