Clients rely on Bates to evaluate risk early, develop practical litigation strategies, and pursue favorable outcomes without losing sight of the business or property interests at stake. His practice includes complex commercial litigation, real estate and title disputes, condemnation and eminent domain, environmental litigation, toxic tort and product liability defense, and litigation involving governmental entities. He also advises businesses and management teams on contracts, risk management, corporate governance, and dispute avoidance.

Bates has particular experience in commercial property tax appeals and ad valorem disputes, having handled appeals involving more than $2 billion in assessed value. He represents owners of commercial and multifamily real estate throughout Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Alabama, with significant experience involving affordable housing properties, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), HUD-financed, and USDA Rural Development projects. His work frequently involves valuation issues unique to affordable and regulated housing, including restricted rents, regulatory agreements, government subsidies, financing structures, and other factors that distinguish these properties from conventional commercial real estate. He represents clients from the initial assessment and administrative appeal through negotiations, hearings, and, when necessary, trial.

Bates has substantial trial and appellate experience and has appeared as counsel of record in numerous reported decisions before the Georgia Supreme Court and Georgia Court of Appeals. His cases have involved commercial disputes, real estate and property rights, municipal litigation, title insurance, open government, construction matters, and other significant civil disputes.

Bates also serves as the appointed City Attorney for the City of Savannah. In this role, he advises the Mayor and Aldermen, City Manager, and senior City leadership and oversees significant litigation and legal matters involving contracts, ordinances, land use, public policy, regulatory issues, and governmental operations. That experience gives him a valuable perspective when representing businesses, developers, property owners, and other clients whose matters involve governmental entities, regulatory issues, or public decision-making.

Bates began his legal career as a prosecutor and tried more than fifty cases to jury verdict before entering private practice. As an Assistant District Attorney in Cobb County’s Crimes Against Women and Children Unit, he prosecuted serious felony cases including murder, rape, and child molestation. He later served as the Domestic Violence Prosecutor in Rockdale County. After leaving public service, he entered private practice with Hunter, Maclean, Exley & Dunn, one of Savannah’s longstanding business law firms, before later joining Pierson Ferdinand. His extensive early courtroom experience continues to shape his approach to litigation, particularly his emphasis on preparation, judgment, and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure.