Known today for his expertise in mineral law, Patrick S. Ottinger leaped into Lafayette's oil and gas heyday in December 1973 after graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and LSU Law School where he was a member of the Moot Court Board. In the years since he began practicing law, he has honed his craft and legal knowledge to become a renowned expert in all matters relating to mineral law.  Along the way, Ottinger matured into not only a talented attorney but a respected public servant.

A partner in the law firm Ottinger, Hebert, L.L.C., Ottinger served as City-Parish Attorney for the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government from January 2004 to January 2011 during the term of Joey Durel, having held the position longer than any other attorney.  He is a Special Assistant Attorney General, representing the State of Louisiana in waterbottoms litigation. He is an experienced arbitrator and mediator in oil and gas matters.

Pat Ottinger serves as Chair of the Louisiana Mineral Law Institute which was developed to promote an understanding of the mineral law of Louisiana. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at the LSU Law Center since 1996, where he has taught Mineral law from the course materials he authored. He is also the author of Louisiana Mineral Leases: A Treatise, published in June 2016, and has provided course materials in many, many other publications.

Ottinger is a Fellow of the Louisiana Bar Foundation and served on its Board of Directors from 2003-7. He has served as President of the Lafayette Parish Bar Association and as a Member of the Board of Governors of the Louisiana State Bar Association. Mr. Ottinger served as the President of the Louisiana State Bar Association during the years 1998-99.

He and his lovely wife, Cheryl, are parents of Talbott and Stuart, and proud grandparents of four grandchildren.

Patrick Ottinger is well-known for his honesty and work ethic and has maintained a keen interest in providing access to the legal justice system for all, no matter their economic standing. He's a proud resident of Lafayette, Louisiana who epitomizes our local culture.  Discover Lafayette is honored to shine the light on our friend, Patrick S. Ottinger!