Joshua J. Otto

Attorney

phone icon919.865.2826 jotto@wyrick.com
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Bio

Josh serves as corporate counsel and trusted advisor for businesses and investors. As a member of the firm’s M&A and Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice groups, Josh’s practice focuses on mergers & acquisitions, equity and debt financings (on behalf of companies and investors/lenders), joint ventures, commercial contracts, and general business matters. He has significant experience working with clients in a broad range of industries, including waste and environmental services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, real estate development, golf and hospitality, agriculture, and retail.

Josh is the Firm’s Managing Partner. He joined the firm in 2007.

Josh attended Wake Forest University for two years before receiving his undergraduate degree in Business Management – Finance, summa cum laude, from North Carolina State University. Josh received his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

  • Listed among Business North Carolina Magazine Legal Elite: Business (2016, 2018-2020, 2022, 2024-2026)
  • Listed among North Carolina Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” Mergers & Acquisitions (2011, 2012, 2013, 2020)
  • UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law: Alumni Engagement Committee – Former Member
  • UNC-Chapel Hill School of Law: Scholarship Golf Classic Committee – Former Co-Chair
  • North Carolina Symphony Friends of Note Committee – Former Member
  • Executive-in-Residence, NC State University College of Management, Technology, Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Program, academic years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011
  • American Bar Association
  • North Carolina State Bar
  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • Wake County Bar Association
  • Represented leading North American waste and environmental services company in its expansion into new markets through acquisition of large waste services company from founder and private equity sellers.
  • Represented early stage technology company focused on apparel recycling in significant equity financing led by VC fund focused on environmentally and socially responsible investments.
  • Serve as outside general counsel for leading foam extrusion and manufacturing company.
  • Represented family office in sale and equity rollover to leading diversified environmental services company.
  • Represented engineering technology firm focused on highway infrastructure space in its sale to global construction conglomerate.
  • Represented employee benefits software company in its sale to Fortune 500 insurance company.
  • Represent leading golf and country club management company in acquisitions and general corporate matters.

Practice Areas

Mergers & Acquisitions

Our M&A practice group is composed of experienced transactional attorneys focused on handling the complexities of M&A transactions. We take pride in working closely with our clients at every stage of the process, from pre-transaction preparation and deal structuring in order to maximize value and minimize risk, through due diligence, to drafting and negotiating definitive agreements, and ultimately to closing and post-closing advice.

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Emerging Companies & Venture Capital

Our mission is to help build and finance innovative companies. With a team of dedicated, energized professionals, we have built a legal services engine for the emerging companies and venture capital market that is systematic, knowledgeable and efficient. 

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