Atty. Stephen Haines Bates
Stephen H. Bates is a proud Winter Haven, Florida native, shaped by a childhood filled with diverse activities and community engagement.
Profile Summary
About Stephen Haines Bates at a glance
Stephen Haines Bates is a Shareholder based in Winter Haven, Florida, practicing at Southern Atlantic Law Group, PLLC. They have 18+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2008. Their practice focuses on contracts, trusts, probate, personal injury, and criminal defense. Admitted to practice in Florida (2008). Educated at Florida Coastal School of Law (J.D., 2008) and Wake Forest University (B.S., 2004). Serands clients in Winter Haven, FL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Stephen H. Bates is a proud Winter Haven, Florida native, shaped by a childhood filled with diverse activities and community engagement
- From little league sports, including baseball, soccer, basketball, and swimming, to water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and surfing, Stephen’s early years reflected a passion for outdoor adventures
- Music played a significant role in Stephen’s life, with a talent for the piano and trumpet
- Stephen’s athletic and musical journey continued through his high school years at Lake Region High School, where he was Captain of the Lake Region High School Band and member of the varsity soccer and swim teams
- Stephen’s academic pursuits led him to Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from the Wayne Calloway School of Business
- Actively involved in campus life, he served as the Chaplain for Theta Chi Fraternity, organizing volunteer events, and participated in intramural sports while also playing trumpet with student bands and orchestras
- Following graduation Stephen attended law school at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida, where he excelled as a Florida Coastal Ambassador and gained practical experience as a Law Clerk and Certified Legal Intern
- Stephen is a Shareholder at Southern Atlantic Law Group, with over 15 years of diverse legal experience
- Stephen is a seasoned litigator, trying over 40 cases in his first few years of practice, which he spent as a prosecutor for the State Attorney’s Office in the Tenth Judicial Circuit (which covers Polk, Highlands and Hardee Counties)
- Prior to joining Southern Atlantic Law Group, Stephen spent over 10 years in private practice with an established and respected firm in Lakeland
- During that time Stephen handled a variety of complex civil litigation matters, along with serving countless clients in the areas of estate planning, probate, guardianship, and business formation
- Stephen is also dedicated to his family and community
- He lives in his hometown of Winter Haven, along with his wife and two children
- Despite his busy professional and personal life, Stephen has always found time to give back to his community
- He contributes to a variety of civic organizations, presently serving on the Board of Directors for Hollingsworth Winds, Inc., and the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra
- He is an active member of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church, a trumpet player for the Hollingsworth Winds, Member of Rotary International and a volunteer with Polk County Schools
- Stephen’s diverse professional and personal background equips him to provide the clients at Southern Atlantic Law Group with knowledgeable, efficient, clearly-communicated, and client-focused service
- Stephen is proud to lead and manage the firm’s Estate Planning, Probate, Guardianship, and Business Formation practice areas, while also continuing to serve clients in civil litigation matters
Practice Areas Explained
Stephen Haines Bates's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Stephen Haines Bates handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Stephen Haines Bates is one of 76,762 contracts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse contracts attorneys in Florida →
Stephen Haines Bates is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Florida →
Stephen Haines Bates is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Florida →
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Stephen Haines Bates is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Florida →
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Stephen Haines Bates is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Florida →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Florida
Practicing law in Florida. Legal matters in Florida are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Winter Haven are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Florida state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Florida brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Florida courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Florida attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Winter Haven or all attorneys in Florida.
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