Otis Schmidt
Attorney
Originally from Bailey, Colorado, Otis Schmidt received his Juris Doctor from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. During law school, Otis worked at the District Attorney’s Office for the (former) 18th Judicial District in Colorado and worked as a summer associate for May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie. Additionally, he was a writer for the Arizona Law Review, worked in the Natural Resource Use and Management Clinic, and participated in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court competition.
Otis joined May, Potenza, Baran & Gillespie in September 2026. Prior to his start at the firm, Otis clerked for Vice Chief Justice John R. Lopez IV of the Arizona Supreme Court. Hailing from a rural community, Otis’ breadth of interests and judicial experience permit him to effectively represent clients from all walks of life across multiple practice areas and procedural postures.
Practice Areas
Education
- Education: B.A., Politics & Government, Pacific University (Or.), summa cum laude, 2021, Dean’s List
- J.D., University of Arizona, magna cum laude, 2025; Dean’s List; CALI Excellence for the Future Award – Legal Research, Analysis and Communication, Water Law, Mediation; Ares Fellow – Civil Procedure; Arizona Law Review, Member.
Bar Admissions
- Arizona (2026)
Clerkships/Externships
- Vice Chief Justice John R. Lopez IV of the Arizona Supreme Court
Publications
- Private Upstream Obligations and Their Downstream Impacts: Water Rights in Colorado and the West (Note), Arizona Law Review (Winter 2024).
Practice Areas
When you enlist the services of May Potenza Baran & Gillespie, you get an experienced, diverse team of advocates in your corner who work collaboratively, move quickly, and think differently.