Chris Otten Email & Phone Number

New Orleans, La, Us

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Teaches Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Environment of Business course on ethics, torts, employment discrimination and other regulatory and legal issues common in the business world. Also teaches the Law of E-Commerce, focusing on issues which arise in Internet transactions relative to jurisdictional disputes, contract issues, intellectual property and privacy issues.

Greater New Orleans Area

I teach the Legal, Ethical and Regulatory Environment of Business course on ethics, torts, employment discrimination and other regulatory and legal issues common in the business world. I also teach the Law of E-Commerce, focusing on issues which arise in Internet transactions relative to jurisdictional disputes, contract issues, intellectual property and privacy issues. I assist students with oral and written legal and business communications. I prepare, administer and grade examinations and paper assignments to gauge students’ understanding of legal issues and their ability to effectively communicate using the “IRAC” format.

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Greater New Orleans Area

I currently serve as the Past Chair of the Board of Directors of Forum for Equality Louisiana, whose mission is to promote and sustain the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons in the State of Louisiana. Equality is meant to include the protection of human and civil rights and the elimination of prejudice and discrimination. As the Past Chair, I assist the Chair in overseeing this organization. I also had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Lawyers' Committee, directing litigation strategy in the Forum for Equality Louisiana's successful lawsuit overturning Louisiana's constitutional and statutory bans on same-sex marriage.

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

Greater New Orleans Area

I primarily practice in professional negligence, for both medical and legal professional liability claims, with a focus on the health care industry, including medical malpractice defense, peer review, Medicaid and insurance payment recoupment, and disciplinary board proceedings. I also have experience in construction litigation and long distance trucking casualty defense. I handle cases ranging from simple vehicular accidents to complex medical malpractice cases involving questions of causation, standard of care, and applicable regulatory requirements. I have first chair trial experience including eighteen-wheeler accident defense (claimed injuries exceeding $2 million) and second chair trial experience in several hospital cases, including cross-examination of adverse parties and expert witnesses and preparation of post-trial memoranda and appeal briefs, recently achieving a defense judgment as well as a judgment well below plaintiff’s settlement demand. I have successfully argued motions for summary judgment in Civil District Court and other venues which have been upheld on appeal. I have significant experience in researching, interviewing, recommending and retaining expert witnesses. I have researched and advised clients on complex regulatory issues, including Stark and Anti-Kickback, and Medicare fraud issues. Over the course of my practice I have deposed hundreds of fact and expert witnesses.

Metairie, La

I managed a diverse caseload, primarily focused in the areas of admiralty, healthcare and general casualty, with additional case experience in premises liability, regulatory and construction law. Worked directly with clients advising as to trial strategy, as well as benefits and disadvantages of settlement, mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Significant experience in researching, interviewing, recommending and retaining expert witnesses. Significant background in motion practice, including complex Daubert challenge motions and opposition memoranda. Primarily handled wrongful death case, including retention and defense of experts; ultimately resulting in a settlement well below the quantum value or policy limits. Handled depositions of retained and adverse medical experts, adverse parties and clients. Interacted with client representatives in completing discovery responses and throughout the development of cases, from receipt of case file materials through resolution.

I primarily focused in the areas of medical malpractice defense and professional liability, though I also handled some cases in finance, employment, premises liability, regulatory, and construction law. Handled cases from receipt of client file materials to final bill invoice. Extensive experience with motion practice, including but not limited to successfully arguing dispositive exceptions and motions for summary judgment exceptions. Researching relevant legal and regulatory changes and writing interoffice memoranda as well as drafting reports to clients concerning the impact these changes may have on our cases, as well as whether and how they will affect settlement considerations. I drafted several applications for supervisory review, including a successful writ application to the Supreme Court. Extensive experience deposing adverse parties as well as defending clients in depositions. Interacted with client representatives in completing discovery responses and requests, as well as general litigation strategy. Handled a pro bono contractor fraud case from beginning to end, obtaining a settlement with defendants and pursuing criminal charges against out-of-state contractors.

Set up and close restaurant. Take orders and confirm receipt of food and drinks. Help organize and prepare for holiday parties and ensure guest satisfaction. Trained in fine dining and formal wine service. Attend regular wine tastings and classes on wine.

Each summer, I assisted Professors and Support Staff with running Summer Legal Studies Program at Vienna University in Austria. I assisted over 100 students in acclimating to life in Vienna, providing tours and help with accommodations in Vienna, as well as dealing with routine issues in which language can be a barrier (trips to doctor, pharmacist, travel issues, etc.).

Assisted attorneys and partners in researching relevant areas of the law, drafting interoffice memoranda concerning likely outcomes to fact patterns. Participated in depositions and a civil law trial, assisting the attorney refining his arguments and overcoming a motion for a directed verdict. Performed extensive research in the area of premises liability, aided in drafting an in-house treatise to assist attorneys dealing with premises liability cases in gaining a concise while comprehensive overview of the relevant case law.

Observed hearings, motions, trials, and appellate oral arguments. Researched United States Supreme Court decisions and drafted a case note regarding the Supreme Court decision, Massachusetts v. EPA, 127 S.Ct. 1438 (2007). Discussed current litigation in the Supreme Court and its impact on Louisiana. Interacted daily with district and appellate judges.

Performed research and review of corporate investment files to assure compliance with appropriate regulatory frameworks such as the Patriot Act, Sarbanes-Oxley, and relevant SEC rules. Received training and coursework in anti-money laundering and safe lending practices.

Performed in-home direct sales presentations of Cutco Cutlery, developing and maintaining an active leads base of over 350 customers. Generated over $72,000 in personal sales, and achieved 8 promotions of title and pay in my first 6 months, based on performance. Achieved the “President’s Club” sales award for 4 consecutive sales campaigns. Attended numerous sales and management conferences around the country, focused on developing interpersonal skills, sales closing techniques, and methods of generating new sales channels.

Managed anchor office for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, developing the sales and advertising strategy for a market of 1.2 million. Delivered over 100 motivational and informational speeches. Managed a sales force of 160 representatives.

Performed demographic research in site selection & negotiated site lease. Managed a tightly knit sales force of 41 representatives. Finished Summer Sales Campaign as the #2 Branch. Developed the art of persuasion and motivation by conducting weekly motivational meetings, and developed promotional and motivational skills.

Juris Doctor, Civil Law

Activities and Societies: International Environmental Law Moot Court Team (World Champions), Evidence Law Moot Court Team, National Moot.

Bachelor Of Science In Management, Business Law, German

Activities and Societies: Phi Kappa Sigma

Education record

High School