Timothy J. Bates Attorney at Law 1112 West Main Street Belleville, Illinois 62220 Office: (618) 310-1463 Fax: (618) 310-1465 Cell: (618) 530-3432

Lawyer Profile

Representation of a client in a construction case requires significant skill, experience and knowledge of construction related issues.  Attorneys that focus cases on personal injury, workers compensation or medical malpractice issues are not well equipped in helping you deal with construction related issues.  Only a lawyer with significant hands on experience, with knowledge of the trades, materials and methods can provide you with the best results. 

Since 1990, Timothy Bates has been representing owners, builders and design professionals in all aspects of all types of construction matters.  He has substantial experience and knowledge relating to design, construction and code compliance.  More than that, Bates has tried dozens of cases to conclusion in Illinois and Missouri and has the respect lawyers and judges throughout Illinois as being prepared, on target and successful. 

You should not trust your construction litigation to a lawyer that does not understand the difference between a joist and a truss, drywall and dry-vit or the difference between roofing and sheathing.  You need a lawyer that understands your construction project and the challenges that are present every time a foundation is dug.

Timothy Bates is available to take on your construction problem at any stage, and has represented owners,  builders and design professionals in litigation, mediation, arbitration and in appeals.  Typically the representation starts with a visit of the project site and review of the construction contract documents.   Review of your case can take place quickly if your needs require an early assessment.

Timothy  Bates is a member of the Illinois (1988) and Missouri (1989) bars.  He graduated from Washington University School of Law in 1988.  He is a member of the Bar of the United States of District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, the Eastern District of Missouri and of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.  He is a member of Illinois and Missouri Bar Associations, as well as the St. Clair County Bar Association. 

In addition to his private practice, Tim Bates is an Adjunct Professor of Law at St. Louis University, School of Professional Studies, and has been on faculty at the college level since 1989.  He has served as interim program director for Criminal Justice Organizations, and teaches courses including, The Death Penalty, White Collar Crime, Constitutional Law, Corrections, Criminology, Juvenile Justice, Law and Society and other courses within the program.

Bates  also serves as an arbitrator for the St. Clair County Courts within the mandatory arbitration system and has served as a privately retained arbitrator on a frequent basis.  Mr. Bates has been a speaker at Illinois Continuing Legal Education Seminars.

In addition to the construction practice, Bates has previously been engaged in the areas of health care, construction and general contract litigation.  Mr. Bates has extensive experience in the area of corporations and business practices.