I am a native of Chattanooga, having graduated Hixson High School I attended the University of Tennessee. I was then accepted to the University of Memphis School of Law from which I graduated in 1998. Upon graduation I decided to return to Chattanooga and enter into the practice of law with my father, Bill Ortwein. Under his guidance I learned how to navigate the Court system - real court room experience is much more valuable than what you can learn by merely studying the law in a class room. Four months after receiving my law degree I experienced my first jury trial, a criminal drug conspiracy in Federal Court. I also continued to gain experience in State Court in which, over the following few years I tried both attempted murder and murder cases. I found myself heavily involved in Federal criminal work, trying countless cases conerning predominately large quantity drug conspiracies, firearms offenses, and robberies over which the Federal government maintained jurisdiction. In 2008 I was one of the defense attorneys involved in the first Federal death penalty trials in Chattanooga. Subsequently I continued to try cases in State Court, including robberies, homicides, and gang involved homicides.

From these experiences I gained an understanding both of the law and it’s application to real life circumstances, how to speak with clients and their concerned family members. Importantly I have come to see that not only is the client being punished by having to endure the legal process, but the client’s family is as well. I have realized that each client is different, some require that I spend more time with them, others do not. And I have always tried to place myself in their position, that is, that I would always want to know the truth whether it is a harsh truth or not. Just as importantly I have learned how to speak to prosecutors about my cases, what approaches do and do not work, and methods to acheive reasonable resolutions without the necessity of trial. Yet, not every case can be resolved without a trial but I have prided myself of ensuring that prosecutors know I will indeed take a case to trial if I believe it necessary in order to pursue the best out come for my client.

Over the past several years I have noticed a greater need in the area of estates. With the aging of our population I have been contacted more and more often concerning probate matters. I have begun to carry a regular and fairly large caseload in this area and have come to understand both the law and client needs. Some estates are fairly simple and following the typical legal process are begun and ended quickly. However, others can become very complex - such as those in which the surviving family members are at odds with one another, or there are significant questions concening the assets that were left behind. I have seen that people are confronted by two often challenging factors: dealing with the loss, and what to do about carrying out their last wishes. I take as much time as is needed to explain the legal process and to walk the client through the steps. I attempt sooth any bad relationship issues that may exist between surviving family members and reassure them of the applicable law and the fairness of the process.

After almost twenty years in practice I would enjoy putting my experience to work for you. If you have a legal concern, or just legal questions, feel free to contact me anytime