Frans Otten began his professional career on 1 January 1972, initially for an Urban Planning Consultancy firm, followed by the municipality of Arnhem and then at the Universities of Utrecht and Leiden, and lastly for the Overijssel Provincial Authority.

In 1980 he received his doctorate from Utrecht University with his thesis on the relationship between spatial planning policy and environmental policy. He has practised law since 1984, specializing in administrative law in the broadest sense, and in particular in spatial administrative law and environmental law.

His practice focuses on public spatial planning law and public and private environmental law, advising and representing both businesses and government bodies. In particular, he assists businesses in applying for and obtaining all kinds of licences and permits.

He was the founder and committee member and is still member of the Environmental Lawyers Association. He is also a lecturer in Property and Environmental Law at the Grotius Academy.

Frans Otten is also a leading specialist in all matters on tackling noise pollution. Recently he contributed to the 'Environmental Law' handbook.

The PLC Environment Handbook 2006/07 has just been published by the Practical Law Company. This is a leading international guide to environmental law and environmental lawyers.
In the PLC-Which Lawyer? section of this guide Frans Otten is referred to as 'Expert in special planning and environmental law'.