Douglas A. Bates

Doug focuses his practice on commercial litigation and creditors' rights, both inside and outside bankruptcy. He has a broad range of experience in litigation relating to distressed business situations and has counseled clients in various industries, including banking, radio broadcasting, homebuilder and developer, airline, marina, manufacturing, and precious metals. Doug's commercial litigation experience includes numerous bankruptcy litigation matters as well, including prosecution and defense of “clawback” litigation arising out of fraud situations. Doug was selected to participate as a fellow in the inaugural class of the Florida Bar Leadership Academy. Doug serves on the Executive Council of the Business Law Section of The Florida Bar and is the past chairman of the Bankruptcy/UCC Committee, the Judicial Liaison Committee, and the Membership/Student Relations Committee. Through his involvement in the Business Law Section, Doug has led efforts to study and amend Florida's version of the Uniform Commercial Code, including Article 9. He mentors law students, is active with the Pro Bono Committee of The Florida Bar Business Law Section, and a frequent presenter for the CARE program. Doug was born and raised in Pensacola and attended Pensacola Catholic High School, as well as Pensacola Junior College. While in school at Pensacola Junior College, he played on the baseball team and was a two-time Distinguished Academic All-American. While in college at Birmingham Southern, Doug also played baseball and participated in two NAIA College World Series tournaments. In addition, he was selected as an Academic All-American at Birmingham Southern.