Atty. James Bates
James Bates is a lawyer practicing wills, trusts, estate planning and 4 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Miami University in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years.
Estate Planning & More Attorney · Serving Tacoma, WA · 29+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James Bates at a Glance
James Bates is a wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, and poa attorney based in Tacoma, Washington. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Admitted to practice in Ohio (1997) and Washington (2014). Educated at Universty of Akron (J.D., 1997) and Miami University (B.A., 1994). Serves clients in Tacoma, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James Bates
- James Bates is a lawyer practicing wills, trusts, estate planning and 4 other areas of law
- James received a B.A. degree from Miami University in 1994, and has been licensed for 29 years
- James practices in Tacoma, WA
Practice Areas Explained
James Bates's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Bates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Tacoma.
Wills in Tacoma
James Bates is one of 34,363 wills attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wills attorneys in Washington →
Trusts in Tacoma
James Bates is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Washington →
Probate in Tacoma
James Bates is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Washington →
Estate Planning & Probate in Tacoma
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
James Bates is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Washington →
Power of Attorney in Tacoma
James Bates is one of 32,920 poa attorneys indexed nationally. Browse poa attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Tacoma
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Tacoma are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington 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 Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Tacoma Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Tacoma-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 Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Tacoma or all attorneys in Washington.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Tacoma Choose James Bates
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 James Bates's practice in the field of wills, trusts, probate, estate planning, and poa.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James Bates brings 29+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Ohio and Washington, James Bates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering wills, trusts, and probate, James Bates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Tacoma
A Tacoma-based practice means James Bates 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 James Bates Handles in Tacoma
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James Bates has experience with under Washington 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 James Bates directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find James Bates Online
Prospective clients searching for legal help in Tacoma commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Bates.
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James Bates's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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