Atty. James W. Bates

Atty. James W. Bates

EDUCATION: J.D. Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University, 1989.

Pasadena Pasadena 37 yrs experience 37 year
Call (747) 338-5460 Email Book Appointment

Bank Collections & More Attorney · Serving Pasadena, CA · 37+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About James W. Bates at a Glance

James W. Bates is a Senior Partner based in Pasadena, California, practicing at Law Offices Of James W Bates A Professional Corporation. They have 37+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1989. Their practice focuses on residential, business, real estate, bankruptcy, and commercial re. Admitted to practice in California (1989), District of Columbia (Inactive) (1991), and U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit U.S. District Court, Central, Southern, East (1993). Educated at Loyola Marymount University (J.D., 1989) and University of Southern California (B.S. Business, 1986). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Pasadena, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated November 2026

About James W. Bates

EDUCATION

  • J.D
  • Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University, 1989
  • Chief Articles Editor, Loyola International and Comparative Law Journal, 1988-1989
  • Staff Member, Loyola International and Comparative Law Journal, 1987-1988
  • B.S
  • Business Administration (Finance/Securities), University Of Southern California, 1986

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

  • California, 1989
  • District of Columbia, 1991 (Inactive)
  • United States Supreme Court, 1998
  • United States Court of Appeals for Ninth Circuit, 1989
  • United States District Court, Central (1989), Southern (1993), Eastern (2002) and Northern Districts of California

MEMBER

  • State Bar Of California
  • District Of Columbia Bar (Inactive)
  • Christian Legal Society
  • The Federalist Society

PUBLICATIONS

Reducing The United States Trade Imbalance With Japan: Equal Access For United States Securities Dealers, 11 Loy.L.A.Int'l & Comp.L.J. (1989)

COMMUNITY

  • Advanced Pilot, Ventura Sail & Power Squadron, 2012- present
  • CEO, Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber Of Commerce, 2006-2009
  • Youth Basketball Coach, Foothill Hoops, 2003-2006
  • Youth Basketball Coach, Crescenta-Canada YMCA, 1999-2003
  • President, Glendale Community College Alumni Association, 1990

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

  • Eagle Scout, 1982
  • Frank Roberts Public Service Award, Montrose Verdugo-City Chamber Of Commerce, 2008
  • Scoutmaster Award Of Merit, Boy Scouts Of America, 2009

EXPERIENCE

  • Law Offices Of James W. Bates, Montrose, California
  • Trial Attorney, 1999- present
  • O'Rourke, Allan & Fong, LLP, Glendale, California Trial Attorney, 1998-99
  • Nemecek & Cole, Sherman Oaks, California
  • Litigation Associate, 1993-1997
  • O'Rourke, Stafford & Allan, Glendale, California
  • Trial Attorney, 1988-1993
  • California Attorney General's Office, Los Angeles California
  • Intern, 1985

Practice Areas Explained

James W. Bates's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James W. Bates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Pasadena.

Residential Real Estate in Pasadena

James W. Bates is one of 9,272 residential attorneys indexed nationally. Browse residential attorneys in California →

Business & Corporate Law in Pasadena

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James W. Bates is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in California →

Real Estate Law in Pasadena

Real estate attorneys handle home purchases, sales, commercial transactions, title disputes, and landlord-tenant matters.

James W. Bates is one of 313,729 real estate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse real estate attorneys in California →

Bankruptcy & Debt in Pasadena

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

James W. Bates is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in California →

Commercial Real Estate in Pasadena

James W. Bates is one of 15,821 commercial re attorneys indexed nationally. Browse commercial re attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Pasadena

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Pasadena are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California 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 California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Pasadena Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Pasadena-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 California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Pasadena or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James W. Bates

Where is James W. Bates's law office located?
James W. Bates's law practice is located in Pasadena, California. The firm is Law Offices Of James W Bates A Professional Corporation. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James W. Bates handle?
James W. Bates focuses on residential, business, real estate, bankruptcy, commercial re. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has James W. Bates practiced law?
James W. Bates has 37+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1989.
Where did James W. Bates go to law school?
James W. Bates earned their education at (J.D., 1989); (B.S. Business, 1986).
How can I contact James W. Bates for a consultation?
You can contact James W. Bates directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James W. Bates received?
James W. Bates's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Pasadena Choose James W. 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 W. Bates's practice in the field of residential, business, real estate, bankruptcy, and commercial re.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

James W. Bates brings 37+ 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 California, District of Columbia (Inactive), and U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit U.S. District Court, Central, Southern, East, James W. Bates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering residential, business, and real estate, James W. Bates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Pasadena

A Pasadena-based practice means James W. 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 W. Bates Handles in Pasadena

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James W. Bates has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business
Residential property transactions
Real Estate
Commercial lease disputes
Real Estate
Title and deed issues
Real Estate
Landlord-tenant conflicts
Real Estate
Chapter 7 liquidation
Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 repayment plans
Bankruptcy
Debt negotiation
Bankruptcy
Creditor harassment defense
Bankruptcy

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James W. Bates directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find James W. Bates Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Pasadena 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 W. Bates.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James W. Bates directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Loyola Marymount University
- 1989
B.S. Business
University of Southern California
- 1986

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1989
District of Columbia (Inactive)
Admitted: 1991
U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit U.S. District Court, Central, Southern, East
Admitted: 1993

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