Ivan J. Bates
Baltimore City State's Attorney
Building Bridges for a Better Baltimore
MEET IVAN
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates is a strong public servant, respected community advocate, and dedicated family man with over 25 years of experience as a prosecutor and defense attorney. An Army veteran with 15 years of leadership experience, Ivan is committed to fighting on the front lines for fairness and accountability in Baltimore’s justice system.
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Elected in 2022 and sworn in on January 3, 2023, Ivan returned to lead the office where he began his legal career, bringing a renewed focus on public safety, transparency, and justice.​
IVAN’S EXPERIENCE AS A STRONG LEADER
Prior to his election in 2022, Ivan was the managing partner of the law firm Bates and Garcia, LLC, which he founded in 2006. Under his leadership, the firm became one of the most respected defense practices in the region, representing clients across multiple states in complex criminal and civil matters.​As a seasoned trial attorney and Army veteran, Ivan has long been recognized as a thought leader in the legal community. Now, as State’s Attorney, Ivan continues to lead with the same integrity, strategic vision, and commitment to justice that defined his career in private practice.
IVAN’S EXPERIENCE AS A DEFENSE ATTORNEY
From 2002 to 2006, Ivan Bates was an attorney at one of Maryland’s premier criminal defense firms. During this time, he honed his trial skills, championed justice, and developed a keen ability to clearly articulate the complexities of the criminal justice system. A defining moment in his career came when he served as co-counsel in the landmark case Maryland v. Blake, which was argued before the United States Supreme Court. Appearing before the nation's highest court marked the fulfillment of a dream shared by many attorneys—but achieved by few
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IVAN’S EXPERIENCE AS A PROSECUTOR
Ivan Bates is no stranger to the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office. Before becoming a well-known defense attorney, he was a successful prosecutor from 1996 to 2002. Working as an Assistant State's Attorney (ASA) for Baltimore City was Ivan’s first position after passing the bar exam in 1995. Ivan litigated numerous complex cases and his talent made him a standout. Soon he became an ASA in the Homicide Division and began advocating for families victimized by violent crime.
IVAN’S FOUNDATION
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As a teenager, Ivan Bates was uncertain about his future career path. In navigating this pivotal decision, he turned to the guidance and example of three key role models. The first was his father, Henry B. Bates, Jr., whose distinguished career in the United States Army took the family across the globe. The second was his mother, Cleora J. Bates, Ivan’s steadfast supporter throughout his education in Germany, New Mexico, and Virginia. Finally, Ivan drew profound inspiration from Justice Thurgood Marshall—a fellow Baltimore native, trailblazing civil rights attorney, and the first African American to serve on the United States Supreme Court.
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IVAN’S MILITARY SERVICE
After graduating from high school in Virginia, Ivan Bates chose to follow in his father’s footsteps by enlisting in the United States Army. During his service, he completed rigorous training at the French Commando School, concentrating on special operations. Ivan served with distinction on both domestic and international missions as part of the 32nd Air Defense Artillery Command in Europe. His military experience instilled in him a strong foundation of discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, Ivan took advantage of the GI Bill to pursue higher education—an opportunity made possible by his dedication and service to his country.
​​​​​IVAN’S EDUCATION
Ivan completed his undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C., earning numerous prestigious honors, including the Lyndon Baines Johnson Internship and the General Motors Volunteer Award. He was also elected Student Association President and graduated with honors in 1992. Inspired by the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall, Ivan pursued a legal career and enrolled at William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia.
During law school, he was awarded the Public Service Fellowship, actively participated in the Black Law Students Association, and became a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He also gained valuable legal experience through positions with several prominent organizations, including the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.​​​​​​​​​
A standout student, Ivan received job offers from across the country before earning his law degree in 1995. He went on to serve as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge David B. Mitchell in Baltimore City. In that role, he helped draft a judicial opinion that was later affirmed by the United States Supreme Court—an achievement that paved the way for his appointment as a prosecutor with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.
​IVAN’S DEVOTION TO FAMILY AND BALTIMORE
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In 1995, Ivan Bates received news that his beloved Aunt Edna had fallen ill in Baltimore. Moved by her need for support, he made the decision to relocate and make Baltimore his home. A devoted family man, Ivan worked tirelessly to care for his aunt and later helped bring his parents closer to ensure their well-being.Ivan’s commitment to justice is deeply personal—he envisions a safer, more equitable city for his eight-year-old daughter, London, and for families across Baltimore. As an accomplished attorney, he continues to serve and volunteer in the community, honoring the lasting legacies of his Aunt Edna and his mother, Cleora.
