Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton, Business Attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
Over 57 years of legal practice · focused on Business and Internet
Indianapolis, IN
Practicing business in Indianapolis since 1969.
- 57+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton?
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Quick answer
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton is an attorney based in Indianapolis, INDIANA. The practice focuses on Business and Internet. Stephen has over 57 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Indianapolis, INDIANA
- Experience
- over 57 years
- Known for
- Business · Internet
- Handles Business and Internet matters from Indianapolis, INDIANA.
- Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Information Technology Law (Indianapolis) (2017).
About Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton: Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton is an attorney based in Indianapolis, INDIANA. The practice focuses on Business and Internet. Stephen has over 57 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Stephen takes on
Stephen concentrates on business and internet. Each area below outlines the kind of case Stephen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Stephen takes business matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Internet cases in Indianapolis, Indiana
Stephen takes internet matters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Stephen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton — business lawyer in Indianapolis
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton is an attorney based in Indianapolis, INDIANA. The practice focuses on Business and Internet. Stephen has over 57 years of legal experience.
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.
Working with Stephen on a business matter
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…
Who Stephen represents
Stephen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and internet matters in Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapoli
J.D. · 1969
Illinois Institute of Technology
B.S. · 1965
Jurisdictions
Stephen's state bar admissions
Indiana
1969 · ACTIVE
Stephen studied at J.D. in Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapoli and B.S. in Illinois Institute of Technology.
Law school and academic background
Stephen completed J.D. in Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapoli and B.S. in Illinois Institute of Technology. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Stephen runs in Indiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Stephen has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Information Technology Law (Indianapolis)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Information Technology Law (Indianapolis)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Licensing
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Information Technology Law (Indianapolis) (2017). Lawyer of the Year — Information Technology Law (Indianapolis) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Governance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Information Technology Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026).
Locations
Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton's office in Indianapolis
Stephen's primary office is at 11 South Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204-3535. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton
Stephen has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Stephen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Stephen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Stephen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Stephen
Stephen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Stephen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Stephen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Stephen J. "Steve" Dutton
How much does it cost to hire Stephen for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Stephen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Stephen offer a free consultation?
Stephen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Stephen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Stephen's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Indiana typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Stephen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Stephen take my case if I'm outside Indianapolis?
Stephen is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Stephen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Stephen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Stephen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Stephen accepting new business clients right now?
Stephen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and Carmel in Indiana
Stephen handles business matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Stephen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Indianapolis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





