Robert Joseph Bates, Jr., General Attorney in Chicago, Illinois
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on General, Insurance, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatBatesCarey LLP
Chicago, IL
Practicing general in Chicago since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Robert Joseph Bates, Jr.?
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Quick answer
Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. Robert has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at BatesCarey LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Chicago, IL
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- General · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles General, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Chicago, IL.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Robert Joseph Bates, Jr.: Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. Robert has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at BatesCarey LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Robert's practice areas in Chicago
Robert concentrates on general, insurance, litigation, real estate, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Robert handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Business
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General cases in Chicago, Illinois
Robert takes general matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Chicago, Illinois
Robert takes insurance matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Chicago, Illinois
Robert takes litigation matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Chicago, Illinois
Robert takes real estate matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Chicago, Illinois
Robert takes business matters in Chicago, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Robert agrees to represent you.
Biography
Robert Joseph Bates, Jr., general attorney serving Chicago
Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. is a member based in Chicago, IL. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. Robert has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at BatesCarey LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Robert works from Chicago, Illinois and takes on general matters across the region.
Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. is a lawyer practicing general practice, real estate, insurance coverage and 2 other areas of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois in 1973, and has been licensed for 48 years. Robert practices at BatesCarey LLP in Chicago, IL.
Working with Robert on a general matter
Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. is a lawyer practicing general practice, real estate, insurance coverage and 2 other areas of law. Robert received a B.A. degree from University of Illinois in 1973, and has been licensed for 48 years. Robert practices at BatesCarey LLP in Chicago, IL.
Clients Robert works with
Robert reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, insurance, and litigation matters in Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Robert studied and practices
Northwestern University
J.D. · 1978
University of Illinois
B.A. · 1973
Jurisdictions
Robert's state bar admissions
Illinois U.S. Distri
1978 · ACTIVE
Robert studied at J.D. in Northwestern University and B.A. in University of Illinois.
Law school and academic background
Robert completed J.D. in Northwestern University and B.A. in University of Illinois. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Robert runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Robert's legal honors and published work
Robert has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Robert's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Association The Defense Research Institute, Inc
membership
Federation of Insurance and Corporate Counsel, Inc
membership
Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel International Association for Insurance Law
membership
Locations
Robert Joseph Bates, Jr.'s office in Chicago
Robert's primary office is at 191 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 2400, Chicago, IL, 60606-1886. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Robert. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing general attorneys in Chicago.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Robert Joseph Bates, Jr. — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Robert usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Robert charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert'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; Robert will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a general attorney in Chicago, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 Robert
Robert discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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. Robert confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Robert's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Robert Joseph Bates, Jr.
How much does it cost to hire Robert for a general case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Robert walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Robert offer a free consultation?
Robert charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Robert's office. Some general attorneys offer free consults — check Robert's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple general 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. Robert gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Robert take my case if I'm outside Chicago?
Robert is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Robert 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 Robert?
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. Robert will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Robert accepting new general clients right now?
Robert's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
General attorneys serving Chicago, Springfield and Northbrook in Illinois
Robert handles general matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
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