William Nelson Bates, Appellate Attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior PartneratFarrar & Bates, L.L.P.
Nashville, TN
Practicing appellate in Nashville since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
Are you William Nelson Bates?
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Quick answer
William Nelson Bates is a senior partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Farrar & Bates, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Nashville, TN
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Civil Rights · Employment
- Handles Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment matters from Nashville, TN.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About William Nelson Bates: William Nelson Bates is a senior partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Farrar & Bates, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
William's practice areas in Nashville
William concentrates on appellate, civil rights, employment, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Civil Rights
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Employment
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Appellate cases in Nashville, Tennessee
William takes appellate matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Civil Rights cases in Nashville, Tennessee
William takes civil rights matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Nashville, Tennessee
William takes employment matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Nashville, Tennessee
William takes insurance matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Nashville, Tennessee
William takes litigation matters in Nashville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before William agrees to represent you.
Biography
William Nelson Bates, appellate attorney serving Nashville
William Nelson Bates is a senior partner based in Nashville, TN. The practice focuses on Appellate, Civil Rights, and Employment. William has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Farrar & Bates, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. William works from Nashville, Tennessee and takes on appellate matters across the region.
William Nelson Bates is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, labor & employment law, civil rights and 4 other areas of law. William received a degree from Y.M.C.A. Night Law School, and has been licensed for 51 years. William practices at Farrar & Bates, L.L.P. in Nashville, TN.
How William handles appellate matters
William Nelson Bates is a lawyer practicing appellate practice, labor & employment law, civil rights and 4 other areas of law. William received a degree from Y.M.C.A. Night Law School, and has been licensed for 51 years. William practices at Farrar & Bates, L.L.P. in Nashville, TN.
Who William represents
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, civil rights, and employment matters in Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Credentials — where William studied and practices
Y.M.C.A. Night Law School Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
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William studied at — in Y.M.C.A. Night Law School Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
Law school and academic background
William completed — in Y.M.C.A. Night Law School Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
William's legal honors and published work
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
William's professional memberships and bar associations
Labor and Employment Law Section
membership
Locations
William Nelson Bates's office in Nashville
William's primary office is at 211 Seventh Ave., N., Ste. 500, Nashville, TN, 37219-1823. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Farrar & Bates, L.L.P.
211 Seventh Ave., N., Ste. 500
Nashville, TN 37219-1823
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Client reviews of William Nelson Bates — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing appellate attorneys in Nashville.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William Nelson Bates claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William Nelson Bates — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a appellate attorney in Nashville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 William
William discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about William Nelson Bates
How much does it cost to hire William for a appellate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some appellate attorneys offer free consults — check William's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple appellate 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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Nashville?
William is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new appellate clients right now?
William's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Appellate attorneys serving Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville in Tennessee
William handles appellate matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If William's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Nashville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





