Christopher Otten
Professor of Practice
Biography
Christopher Otten joined the full-time faculty as a professor of practice in 2023 after serving more than a decade as an adjunct lecturer. Otten spent the first 14 years of his career as an attorney in New Orleans, where he helped clients ranging from individuals to multinational companies navigate myriad legal issues, including insurance coverage and professional liability. He has also had a specialized focus on LGBT issues, including helping to coordinate legal and communications strategies for the successful lawsuit which overturned Louisiana’s ban on same-sex marriage. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from the Freeman School and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law.
Education
Tulane University
Loyola University, New Orleans
Accomplishments
Selected by Thomson Reuters / Super Lawyers as a Louisiana Rising Star
2019, 2020, 20221, 2022, 2023
Selected by Thomson Reuters / Super Lawyers as a Louisiana Super Lawyer
2024
Articles
Marriage Equality: The 'States' of the Law Post-Windsor and Perry
On June 26, 2013, the United States Supreme Court issued two historic rulings that simultaneously gave gay rights activists their most influential win, while it provided opponents of same-sex marriage with a welcomed delay in finding a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. In this article, amid growing acceptance of same-sex marriage, we will consider whether the Supreme Court will nationalize same-sex marriage in the near term. To do so, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of each case decided since the twin landmark decisions. After briefly discussing what the Court said (and did not say) in Hollingsworth v. Perry and United States v. Windsor, we will outline the arguments surrounding federalism, liberty, due process, and equal protection, and apply them to the similar but different questions of marriage celebration as opposed to marriage recognition. We will then consider every post-Windsor court decision overturning state marriage bans, drawing similarities and distinctions when available. We will conclude by discussing the three circuit court decisions to address the issue as well as the pending case in Louisiana. Finally, we will present our prediction (for better or worse) of the outcome of these important issues.
A Primer on Kentucky’s Same-Sex Marriage Lawsuit
Hof Wallace, Monica and Otten, Christopher Gerald (2014). A Primer on Kentucky’s Same-Sex Marriage Lawsuit, LGBT Litigator, American Bar Association, Summer 2014, Vol. 4, No. 2.
Media Appearances
'Sho 'nuff': First same-sex couple marries in New Orleans
Despite Jindal and Caldwell's directives, Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court Jon Gegenheimer began issuing licenses Monday. The Benjamin-Robinsons were the second couple to obtain a marriage license there, forum board chair Chris Otten said, before driving to New Orleans for the ceremony.
Hot Seat: Gay Marriage and the State
On the Hot Seat, State Representative Mike Johnson and Chris Otten of the Forum for Equality Louisiana discuss the recent Supreme Court ruling that legalizes same-sex marriages.
Lafayette judge rules gay marriage ban unconstitutional
"We are very pleased that this judge chose to follow all of the other judges in the country and not discriminate against Louisiana families," said Chris Otten, president-elect of Forum for Equality.
