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Education

William & Mary Law School J.D., cum laude (2016)
University of New Hampshire B.S., Economics, summa cum laude (2009)

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Devin R. Bates

Member

Email:	dbates@mwlaw.com
Phone:	(501) 688.8864
Location:	Little Rock
Bar Admissions:	Arkansas

Devin Bates is a strategic litigator and trusted advisor to his clients. As a trial lawyer, he has experience in complex litigation including business matters, intellectual property disputes, constitutional litigation, and products liability actions. He also represents clients in conflicts involving governmental agencies and in administrative proceedings. Devin handles cases from inception through resolution at trial, appeal, and alternative dispute resolution where appropriate. Devin also represents schools, advising clients to find practical, clear, and comprehensive solutions to difficult challenges. As a former educator, Devin’s experience as a teacher and administrator gives him the unique understanding of school operations that enables him to better assist his education clients with their needs and goals.

Prior to joining the firm, Devin served as a law clerk to Chief U.S. District Judge P.K. Holmes, III. Devin has proudly adopted Arkansas as his home, having resided in the state for more than a decade. As an outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys Arkansas’ many rivers, trails, and outdoor spaces.

Experience

Successfully sought enforcement of non-compete agreement in international arbitration stretching across three countries in two continents.
Represented one of Arkansas’ largest school districts as lead counsel in three week federal court trial, ultimately prevailing on three-quarters of the constitutional issues resulting in partial resolution of 38 year old case.
Represented defendant in highly contested fraud case, ultimately forcing the voluntary dismissal of the client immediately prior to trial.
Led the expert workup of a seven-figure products liability action for a multinational Fortune 100 manufacturer, significantly undercutting plaintiff’s theory of causation and resulting in five-figure settlement.
Defeated allegations of fraud and mismanagement brought against non-profit organization by state agency in administrative proceeding, resulting in complete dismissal of action.
Served as lead counsel in a complex, multi-party dispute over rare ancient artifacts, obtaining the dismissal with prejudice of the client on a dispositive motion.
Represented a national financial and administrative services company in a class action involving alleged constitutional violations resulting in pre-trial dismissal prior to certification of a proposed class.
Represented large national bank in federal court commercial litigation, successfully securing findings of civil contempt for non-compliant opposing litigants.
Prevailed in high stakes letter writing campaign against insurance company demanding coverage for client denied coverage due to exclusionary language in contract.
Served on defense team representing an international energy company after mass tort resulting in injuries and death. Prepared complex briefs related to exclusion of expert witnesses, venue challenges, and critical trial tactics.

Professional Recognition

The Best Lawyers in America©: "Ones to Watch" Commercial Litigation (2024)
The Best Lawyers in America©: "Ones to Watch" Product Liability Litigation - Defendants (2023-2024)
The Best Lawyers in America©: "Ones to Watch" Education Law (2022-2024)
The Best Lawyers in America©: "Ones to Watch" Labor and Employment Law - Management (2021-2024)
JD Supra Readers' Choice Top Author - Products Liability (2021-2023)
Mid-South Super Lawyers Rising Stars: Schools & Education (2022-2023)
Arkansas Access to Justice, Honoree, Outstanding Pro Bono Service (2023)
Graduate, 48th International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy (2022)
Arkansas Business 40 Under 40 (2022)
Arkansas Money and Politics Future 50 (2022)
Graduate, Leadership Greater Little Rock, Class XXXV (2019-2020)
The Order of the Barristers (2016)
Managing Editor, William & Mary Business Law Review (2015-2016)
Winner, National Competition, Hassell Constitutional Law Moot Court (2015)

Involvement

Federal Practice Committee, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas
Chair, Mitchell Williams Recruiting and Retention Committee
Mitchell Williams DEI Council
Mitchell Williams Mentoring Committee
Board of Directors, AR Kids Read (2019-present)
- President (2021-2022)
- Vice Chair (2020-2021)
Board of Directors, Economics Arkansas (2020-present)
Board of Directors, Create Little Rock, Little Rock Chamber of Commerce (2018-2020)
Eighth Circuit Bar Association
American Bar Association
Arkansas Bar Association
- Artificial Intelligence Task Force Member
Pulaski County Bar Association

News & Articles

News

Articles

Publications

Breach of Contract Defenses: Arkansas, Practical Law State Q&A w-039-4184, Westlaw (2024)

Equitable Remedies for Contract Actions: Arkansas, Practical Law State Q&A w-039-4183, Westlaw (2024)

“New Theories of Product Liability Develop in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Increased Automation,” The Brief Case: DRI Committee News, June 2023, Volume 2 Issue 6

"ChatGPT at Work: Protecting Your Business", Arkansas Business (May 29, 2023) at 23.

"Unfair competition? Level the playing field", Talk Business & Politics (May 24, 2023) https://talkbusiness.net/2023/05/unfair-competition-level-the-playing-field/

Trade Secret Laws: Arkansas, Practical Law State Q&A 8-531-5345, Westlaw (2021-2023)

Non-Compete Laws: Arkansas, Practical Law State Q&A 6-522-8151, Westlaw (2020-2023)

Do Teacher Pay for Performance Schemes Advance American Education? What Education and Business Can Learn from Each Other in the Education Reform Movement, 7 Wm. & Mary Bus. L. Rev. 547 (2016)