Atty. Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton
Steve has been effectively negotiating, structuring and closing tech transactions from the very infancy of the industry. Steve’s clients include both established and emerging companies and recognizable brands seeking to create and leverage new technological platforms and business models.
Corporate Governance Law & More Attorney · Serving Indianapolis, IN · 57+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton at a Glance
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton is a business and internet attorney based in Indianapolis, Indiana, practicing at Barnes & Thornburg LLP. They have 57+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1969. Admitted to practice in Indiana (1969). Educated at Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapoli (J.D., 1969) and Illinois Institute of Technology (B.S., 1965). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law (2026). Serves clients in Indianapolis, IN and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton
- Steve has been effectively negotiating, structuring and closing tech transactions from the very infancy of the industry
- Steve’s clients include both established and emerging companies and recognizable brands seeking to create and leverage new technological platforms and business models
- He has negotiated and closed a broad range of technology transactions, ranging from software, technology and IP licensing, cloud computing, SaaS and digital media and distribution to joint ventures and developments, strategic alliances, mergers, asset transactions and other forms of monetization
- Steve began his career advising on securities, tax and M&A matters, which led to his work on financing major transactions
- Over his four decades of practice, Steve has also advised on complex financing, large securitization of financial assets and wholesale mortgage transactions
- In addition, he counsels utility clients on various transactions including the purchase and sale of generating assets, power purchase agreements and other transactions related to generating and storage facilities.An outstanding and proven negotiator and draftsman, Steve understands how deals should be structured to benefit both sides — particularly his clients
Practice Areas Explained
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Indianapolis.
Business & Corporate Law in Indianapolis
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Indiana →
Internet & Cyber Law in Indianapolis
Internet and cyber lawyers for data breaches, online defamation, privacy law, and cybersecurity matters.
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton is one of 17,826 internet attorneys indexed nationally. Browse internet attorneys in Indiana →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Indianapolis
Practicing law in Indiana. Legal matters in Indiana are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Indianapolis are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Indiana state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Indiana brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Indiana courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Indianapolis Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Indianapolis-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Indiana attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Indianapolis or all attorneys in Indiana.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Indianapolis Choose Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton's practice in the field of business and internet.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton brings 57+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering business and internet, Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Indianapolis
A Indianapolis-based practice means Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton Handles in Indianapolis
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton has experience with under Indiana law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton's Practice Areas & Specializations
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