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Attorney Profile

MeetJoe Otanez

Joe Otanez is passionate about helping children and families navigate some of the most difficult times in their lives. He brings empathy and genuine care to every case while working diligently to protect his clients and their families.

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Professional portrait of Joe Otanez, Associate Attorney, in a navy suit

About Joe

Empathy and Genuine Care for Every Family

Introduction

Joe is passionate about helping children and families navigate some of the most difficult times in their lives. Watching the children in his life grow up, he has seen firsthand how much a stable, supportive foundation shapes a child's future. That perspective drives his practice today: Joe brings empathy and genuine care to every case while working diligently to protect his clients and their families.

A native of Santa Barbara, California, Joe came to Texas to attend Texas Christian University, where he earned his degree in Criminal Justice in 2017. Though he knew early on that he wanted to practice law, Joe chose to take time to grow personally and professionally so that he would be fully ready for the responsibility the profession demands.

Joe attended UNT Dallas College of Law as a part-time student while working full time. During law school, he interned with Susan G. Komen, where he was proud to support an organization dedicated to helping people through some of life's hardest challenges. Now proudly calling Dallas home, Joe enjoys traveling, building LEGO sets, and spending time with family and loved ones. He is also on a never-ending search for the city's best iced chai.

Education

  • UNT Dallas College of Law, Dallas, Texas
  • Doctor of Jurisprudence - 2026
  • Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
  • B.S., Bachelor of Science - 2017
  • Major: Criminal Justice
  • Minor: Political Science

Professional Associations

  • State Bar of Texas, Family Law Section
  • State Bar of Texas, LGBTQ+ Section

Professional Credentials

Current Position

  • Associate Attorney

Bar Admission

  • Supreme Court of Texas (2026)
Joe Otanez in a gray jacket, leaning against a glass building that reflects his image

Get to Know Joe Otanez

Grown Up Through Nearly Every Role at the Firm

In his second year of law school, Joe joined Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law as an intake specialist, working directly with clients from their very first call.

He went on to serve as a legal assistant alongside the firm's paralegals, then as a law clerk supporting the attorneys after taking the bar exam.

Having grown up through nearly every role at the firm, Joe brings a well-rounded understanding of the client experience to his work as an associate attorney.

Practice Areas

Exclusive Focus on Family Law

Joe is an associate attorney at Katie L. Lewis, P.C. Family Law, where the firm represents clients across the family law matters below.

Divorce

Clear, steady representation protecting assets, parenting time, privacy, and long-term stability.

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High-Net-Worth Divorce

Strategic counsel for estates, investments, trusts, executive compensation, and closely held assets.

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Business Owner Divorce

Protecting your business through valuation, structuring, and negotiation so operations are not disrupted.

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Child Custody & Support

Focused advocacy for parenting plans, conservatorship, and arrangements that serve your children.

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Property Division

Thorough classification and tracing of separate versus community property for a fair outcome.

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Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements

Well-drafted agreements that protect both parties and withstand future scrutiny — before or after marriage.

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Mediation

Resolution-focused mediation that reduces conflict, cost, and time while preserving relationships.

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LGBTQ+ Family Matters

Experienced, discreet counsel for LGBTQ+ clients navigating divorce, custody, adoption, and family planning.

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Trusted Across Dallas Family Law Community

D Magazine Best Lawyers Under 40 recognition
Dallas 500 recognition
Dallas 500 recognition
Texas Board of Legal Specialization Board Certified recognition
2021 Honoree 500 recognition
Avvo 10.0 Superb rating
Texas Super Lawyers Top 50 Women recognition

2023–2025

Rising Stars recognition

2021–2025

Rising Stars recognition

2021–2025

American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators

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  • Board-Certified in Family Law

    Texas Board of Legal Specialization

  • Focused on Results

    Strong advocacy for you and your family

  • Confidential Consultations

    Your privacy is our priority

  • Proudly Serving Families

    Across Dallas and throughout Texas