Rachel S. Bates, Business Attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
focused on Business and Real Estate
Minneapolis, MN
Trusted business attorney serving Minneapolis.
Practices in
Are you Rachel S. Bates?
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Quick answer
Rachel S. Bates is an attorney based in Minneapolis, MINNESOTA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate.
- Based in
- Minneapolis, MINNESOTA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Real Estate
- Handles Business and Real Estate matters from Minneapolis, MINNESOTA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026).
About Rachel S. Bates: Rachel S. Bates is an attorney based in Minneapolis, MINNESOTA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate.
Areas of practice
Rachel's practice areas in Minneapolis
Rachel concentrates on business and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Rachel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Rachel takes business matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rachel agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Rachel takes real estate matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Rachel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Rachel S. Bates, business attorney serving Minneapolis
Rachel S. Bates is an attorney based in Minneapolis, MINNESOTA. The practice focuses on Business and Real Estate. Rachel works from Minneapolis, Minnesota and takes on business matters across the region.
Rachel is passionate about providing high-quality legal services to clients and advancing the field of finance and real estate law.
In her work in the areas of commercial real estate and finance, Rachel assists lenders, developers, and investors in complex transactions involving various types of properties and financing structures. Rachel also has significant experience in other aspects of real estate transactions, including leasing, acquisitions and dispositions of real estate.
Representative Experience:
- Representation of national finance companies in balance sheet and bridge lending programs, including numerous multi-million dollar multifamily, senior and student housing mortgage loans with extensive structuring for future agency funding and capital improvements.
- Representation of national life insurance companies in negotiating and closing loan transactions secured by assets and all types of commercial real estate including office, retail, industrial, and warehouse properties.
- Representation of Landlords and Tenants relating to leasing, acquisitions, and dispositions of commercial property.
- Representation of financial institutions serving as senior lenders, master trustees, and bond trustees focusing on workouts, bond defaults and trust instruction proceedings.
Rachel is a member of the Commercial Real Estate Finance Council (CREFC) and Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW). She was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, “Ones to Watch” for Banking and Finance Law, and Real Estate Law (Minneapolis) 2024.
Rachel is committed to contributing her legal knowledge in service to the community and has been recognized as a North Star Lawyer by the Minnesota State Bar Association for providing more than 50 hours of pro bono service annually.
How Rachel handles business matters
Rachel is passionate about providing high-quality legal services to clients and advancing the field of finance and real estate law. In her work in the areas of commercial real estate and finance, Rachel assists lenders, developers, and investors in complex transactions involving various types of properties and financing structures. Rachel also has significant experience in other aspects of real…
The kind of cases Rachel takes
Rachel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business and real estate matters in Minneapolis and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Rachel studied and practices
William Mitchell College of Law
J.D. · 2015
Rachel studied at J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law.
Law school and academic background
Rachel completed J.D. in William Mitchell College of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Rachel runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Rachel's legal honors and published work
Rachel has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).
Locations
Rachel S. Bates's office in Minneapolis
Rachel's primary office is at 33 South Sixth Street, Suite 3600, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55402-3338. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Rachel S. Bates
Rachel has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Rachel S. Bates — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Rachel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Rachel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rachel's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Rachel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Rachel
Rachel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Rachel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Rachel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Rachel S. Bates
How much does it cost to hire Rachel for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Rachel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Rachel offer a free consultation?
Rachel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Rachel's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Rachel's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Minnesota typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Rachel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Rachel take my case if I'm outside Minneapolis?
Rachel is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Rachel will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Rachel?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Rachel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Rachel accepting new business clients right now?
Rachel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Minneapolis, St Paul and Edina in Minnesota
Rachel handles business matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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