Ten Otteson Shapiro attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers®, earning honors across 10 practice areas. The recognition continues the firm’s strong presence in one of the the legal profession’s most respected peer-reviewed rankings.

These recognitions reflect the firm’s consistent depth of talent and sustained excellence in serving clients across banking and finance, financial services regulation, commercial litigation, insurance and corporate transactions.

Among this year’s honorees, partner Christian Otteson was named “Lawyer of the Year” in Denver for Banking and Finance Law, a distinction awarded to a single attorney in each practice area and market.

Since its founding in 1983, Best Lawyers has relied on peer review to identify attorneys recognized for professional excellence, making inclusion a meaningful acknowledgment from fellow members of the legal community.

The attorneys recognized and their respective practice areas are:

Denver

  • Duncan E. Barber
    • Commercial Litigation
  • Thomas Bieging
    • Banking and Finance Law
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Financial Services Regulation Law
    • Litigation – Banking and Finance
  • Garth A. Gersten
    • Insurance Law
  • Christian E. Otteson
    • Banking and Finance Law*
    • Financial Services Regulation Law
    • Mergers and Acquisitions Law

        *Named the “Lawyer of the Year” in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Denver.

  • Kate Schroepfer
    • Banking and Finance Law
    • Commercial Finance Law
  • Stephen B. Shapiro
    • Insurance Law
  • Lisa Shimel
    • Banking and Finance Law
    • Real Estate Law

Dallas

  • John C. Leininger
    • Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
    • Litigation – Bankruptcy
  • F. John Podvin Jr.
    • Financial Services Regulation Law
  • Kevin T. Schutte
    • Banking and Finance Law
    • Commercial Litigation
    • Litigation – Banking and Finance