Ivan's Story
MEET IVAN
Ivan Bates is a successful attorney, strong leader, respected community advocate and dedicated family man with more than 25 years of experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. An army veteran, he has 15 years of leadership experience and is committed to fighting on the front lines for fairness. He has the knowledge and skills to win justice for all as the next Baltimore City State’s Attorney.
IVAN’S EXPERIENCE AS A STRONG LEADER
Currently, Ivan Bates is the managing partner of the law firm Bates and Garcia, LLC and one of the most sought-after attorneys in the country. He started Bates and Garcia, LLC in 2006. Over the last 15 years, he has led a team of legal experts and represented numerous clients in various states. Ivan Bates is regarded as a thought leader and is often called on by local and national media to share his knowledge and expert opinion on legal matters.
IVAN’S EXPERIENCE AS A DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Ivan Bates worked for one of Maryland’s premier criminal defense firms from 2002 to 2006. As a defense attorney, he sharpened his trial skills and advocated for justice for all. He also perfected his ability to clearly communicate the components of the complex criminal justice system. During this time, he had the opportunity to serve as co-counsel on a case argued before the Supreme Court of the United States, Maryland vs. Blake. Appearing before the United States Supreme Court allowed Ivan to accomplish a goal that all attorneys dream of yet few attain.
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
As a teenager, Ivan was unsure about the direction of his career. When faced with this decision, he looked to his three role models. First was his father, Henry B. Bates, Jr. who had a successful career in the United States Army that took the family around the world. Second was his mother, Cleora J. Bates who was Ivan’s greatest supporter as he attended school in Germany, New Mexico and Virginia. Lastly, Ivan was inspired by Justice Thurgood Marshall, a Baltimore native and famous civil rights attorney who became the first African-American Supreme Court Justice.
IVAN’S MILITARY SERVICE
After graduating high school in Virginia, Ivan followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Army. While in the military, he graduated from the French Commando School where he was trained in special operations. Ivan served his country in foreign and domestic missions while assigned to the 32nd Air Defense Artillery Command in Europe. Joining the military provided him with discipline, leadership and teamwork skills. It also gave him the opportunity the attend college after receiving an honorable discharge with the help of the GI Bill.
IVAN’S EDUCATION
Ivan completed his undergraduate studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C. There he received many prestigious awards including the Lyndon Baines Johnson Internship, the General Motors Volunteer Award and was elected Student Association President prior to graduating with honors in 1992. Inspired by Justice Thurgood Marshall, he decided to pursue a career in law and attended The William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, VA. During this time, he was a recipient of the Public Service Fellowship, a member of the Black Law Student Association and a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He also gained legal experience working for several organizations including the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. An exceptional student, Ivan received many job offers from across the country before obtaining a law degree in 1995. He was privileged to serve as a Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge David B. Mitchell in Baltimore City. This opportunity allowed him to help draft an opinion that was affirmed United States Supreme Court and led to him getting a job as a prosecutor for the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.
IVAN’S DEVOTION TO FAMILY AND BALTIMORE
In 1995, he learned that his beloved Aunt Edna in Baltimore had fallen ill. Knowing that she was in need of assistance, he decided to make Baltimore his home. A devoted family man, Ivan worked hard so he could aid his aunt and later, move his parents closer to ensure their wellbeing. He believes in justice for all because he envisions a safer city for his five year old daughter, London and his entire family. An accomplished attorney, he continues to work and volunteer in Baltimore while honoring the memories of his Aunt Edna and his mother, Cleora.
