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Overview
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Experience
Introduction
Bates is responsible for all legal matters, counsels the firm's lawyers and management on professional responsibility issues and defends the firm against claims.
In her career, Bates McIntyre Larson has represented lawyers from Am Law 50 and Am Law 100 firms in professional liability and responsibility matters and has defended lawyers in legal malpractice litigation in trial and appellate courts, litigating regularly in state and federal courts . She has also counseled firms on ethical issues and represented firms and individual lawyers facing investigations from bar disciplinary boards and commissions.
Bates has a background in commercial litigation and appeals related to aviation product liability, representing aviation and aerospace manufacturers in product liability actions arising out of accidents involving commercial and general aviation aircraft. Her experience includes single-plaintiff cases, consolidated and multidistrict proceedings, personal injury, wrongful death, and economic loss cases, and she has worked with foreign counsel in connection with motions to transfer to more convenient foreign forums, choice of law issues, and procurement of letters rogatory.
Informed by her work in commercial contract litigation, Bates has experience in commercial real estate foreclosures and loan workouts, including receiverships, guaranty litigation, and lender liability.
Education & credentials
- University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, Order of the Coif, University of Illinois Law Review, 2000
- Grinnell College, B.A., with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, 1995
- Illinois
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
- Hon. Elaine BuckloU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Professional recognition
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Aviation Law, 2024-2026
Listed as an "Illinois Rising Star" by Super Lawyers, 2011-2013; Listed a "Super Lawyer," 2014-2026
Recognized in The Legal 500, Product Liability and Mass Tort Defense: Aerospace / Aviation, 2014
*The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.
Impact
- Women's Bar Foundation President, 2013-2016 Board Member, 2004-2018 Past Recipients Council, 2003-2004
Cabin Air Quality Litigation
Defense of commercial aircraft manufacturer in litigation involving alleged neurotoxin exposure associated with the cabin air supply.
In re Tans 737
Defended an aircraft manufacturer in consolidated wrongful death and personal actions arising from a 2005 airline crash in Peru; obtained documents from Peruvian investigation through letters rogatory.
In Re Asiana Flight 214
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
Defended an aircraft manufacturer in litigation arising out of the July 6, 2013 crash of Asiana Flight 214 at San Francisco International Airport.
Jett8 Airlines, Pl V. The Boeing Company
Circuit Court of Illinois, Cook County
Defended an airplane manufacturer in a product liability case involving the in-flight loss of an engine and obtained a dismissal based on the economic loss doctrine
In re Air Crash Near Makassar Strait, Sulawesi, Indonesia on January 1, 1997
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Defended an aircraft manufacturer in federal multidistrict litigation in the Northern District of Illinois arising from the loss of a 737-400 in Indonesia.
In re Southwest Flight 1248
Defended multiple claims in Illinois state and federal courts arising from a runway overrun crash at Midway Airport.
Honeywell International Inc.: MU-2 Crash near Cerrillos, NM
Appellate Court of Illinois
Defended turbine engine manufacturer Honeywell International Inc. in an action arising out of a MU2 crash near Cerrillos, NM; obtained summary judgment based on GARA statute of repose. The judgment was affirmed by Illinois Appellate Court.
Tax Shelter Legal Malpractice Claims
Defended Am Law 100 firm against consolidated legal malpractice and other claims arising out of alleged tax shelter transactions.
Legal Malpractice Claim Arising From Late Employment Claim
Obtained summary judgment in favor of Am Law 100 firm on a legal malpractice claim arising out of the representation of a doctor in a constructive discharge employment claim, which had been dismissed as untimely filed. The judgment was affirmed by Illinois Appellate Court.
Legal Malpractice Claim Based On Settlement Advice
Represented Am Law 100 firm in a malpractice claim arising from an $11 million settlement of a trade secret claim, which was based on allegations of failure to advise the client of the risks of litigating and of not advising settlement. Obtained a favorable settlement for the client after a three-week jury trial in the Circuit Court of Cook County.
Legal Malpractice Claim Arising From Minority Shareholder Dispute
Represented Am Law 100 firm in legal malpractice litigation arising from representation of minority shareholder of Ingersoll. After six years and successful appeal of dismissal of individual defendant, case dismissed for want of prosecution after withdrawal of plaintiffs’ counsel.
Foreclosure of Four Suburban Office Buildings
Represented Noteholder, by and through CMBS special servicer, in foreclosure litigation and related lender liability and guaranty actions arising from the default of a $54 million loan. Defeated objections to the appointment of a receiver, summary judgment and confirmation of the foreclosure sale.
Defense of Lender Liability Action Arising from Note Sale
Obtained dismissal with prejudice of claims against Noteholder and CMBS special servicer arising from exclusion of the borrower from public auction of note. Successfully argued that claims for tortious interference with business expectancy and allegations of violations antitrust and “Blacklist Trade law” statute were barred by res judicata.
Foreclosure and Workout of Wisconsin and Illinois Properties
Represented Noteholder, by and through CMBS special servicer, in foreclosure litigation and real estate transactions relating to $10.7 million loan secured by retail shopping centers in Forsyth, IL and West Bend, WI. Filed the foreclosure action and obtained the appointment of a receiver before deed in lieu of foreclosure workout.
Foreclosure of Suburban Office Building
Represented Noteholder, by and through CMBS special servicer, in foreclosure litigation relating to a $16.6 million loan secured by an office building in Schaumburg, IL. Obtained the appointment of a receiver and judgment of foreclosure and sale.