Nathan Otis is the Managing Partner of the firm and one of Wisconsin’s leading criminal defense attorneys. He is known for his commanding courtroom presence and commitment to defending clients in the most challenging, high-stakes cases. With more than 15 years of litigation experience, Nathan’s career reflects a rare combination of legal insight, trial skill, and professional distinction.
Nathan began his career as a law clerk for a federal judge, gaining a deep understanding of federal procedure and judicial decision-making. He then served in the Dane County District Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases and learned firsthand how the State builds—and sometimes overreaches in—its cases. His prior experience in both judicial and prosecutorial offices allows him to anticipate how prosecutors and judges will approach a case and enables him to strategize accordingly. This unique perspective separates him from most other defense attorneys in the State.
In 2024, Nathan received the prestigious William Coffey Defender Award from the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys—an award honoring exceptional contributions to the practice of criminal defense. Nathan was the youngest ever recipient, a testament to the impact of his work and the respect he has earned throughout the state.
Nathan has built a stellar trial record, securing numerous acquittals in complex and high-profile homicide and sexual assault cases. He is also recognized for his expertise in cases involving shaken baby/abusive head trauma allegations, an area demanding rigorous scientific understanding and aggressive courtroom advocacy.
In federal court, Nathan regularly represents clients facing serious charges involving drug trafficking, child pornography, and white-collar fraud or embezzlement. His preparation is exhaustive, strategy deliberate, and advocacy unrelenting. Whether in state or federal court, Nathan is known for delivering bold, sophisticated defense required when his clients’ futures are on the line.
It is terrifying to be charged with a crime. Nathan’s goal for every client is ensuring that their goals are identified and met, that they feel seen and heard in system that tries to stifle their voice. Aggressive pre-trial litigation coupled with polished trial skills ensures that Nathan gets results for his clients.
Attorney Otis is a formidable trial advocate. He has secured wins for his clients in various trials, including operating while intoxicated and sexual assault cases. But he also prides himself on aggressive pre-trial motion and investigative work, seeking to prevent unreliable or illegally obtained evidence from being used against his clients. His tenacious pre-trial approach in combination with his commitment to thoroughly investigating cases from all angles has enabled Attorney Otis to secure full dismissals prior to trial for numerous clients, including those charged with drunk driving, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Attorney Otis also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to family law, representing people seeking divorce, those involved in paternity actions, or those seeking to modify established custody and placement or child support orders. With a background in criminal defense, he is at home aggressively litigating custody, placement or financial issues in high-conflict cases. But he also recognizes the limitations of trying to solve familial problems using the legal systems. Because of this, he works with his clients to identify and prioritize their interests, in order to achieve their big-picture family and financial goals.
His fierce advocacy and success in the courtroom has not gone unnoticed. Attorney Otis was designated a “Rising Star,” by Super Lawyers, a recognition limited to 2.5% of attorneys in the State of Wisconsin. He was also awarded the 2017 “Warrior Award” by the Dane County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association for his tenacious work in securing a full dismissal with prejudice for a client charged with sexual assault. A number of his cases have also garnered substantial media coverage, including when he was featured on Wisconsin Public Radio after securing $97,500 in compensation for a client who was exonerated after being wrongfully incarceration.
Attorney Otis is a 2004 graduate of the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in Psychology and a minor in Philosophy. While he enjoyed his time in Ann Arbor, his hometown loyalties never faded, and he returned to Madison where he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2010. In addition to his legal practice, Attorney Otis has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, teaching a course in criminal procedure and coaching aspiring litigators for the school’s Mock Trial team. He also serves on the board of Rubin for Kids, a non-profit organization that aims to help underprivileged children in the community. When he is not thinking about the law, he is either playing basketball, or haplessly chasing his two young children.
You can reach him at nathan@nglawyers.com, or by calling 608-237-6854.
