Member

Jeffersonville Office Executive Member

Douglas B. Bates

Doug Bates is an experienced trial lawyer who has been with the firm since 1992. He appears in state and federal courts throughout Indiana and Kentucky and has argued both before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Bates regularly defends aviation clients, including airlines, major municipal airports, product manufacturers, aircraft mechanics and fixed base operators, and is often asked to speak at national aviation-related seminars. Mr. Bates also represents clients in product liability litigation, nursing home litigation, lender liability litigation and complex business litigation matters. He also represents several insurance clients with respect to coverage disputes.

Recent Assignments

Successfully represented a commercial property owner whose insurance carrier refused to pay roofing and interior storm damage claims. Following a trial involving 14 witnesses and over 800 exhibits, the jury returned a verdict ($3.9 million) awarding all of the damages incurred.

Convinced the Indiana Court of Appeals by a 2-1 vote to reverse the trial court’s finding of personal jurisdiction over our clients, two related non-residents of Indiana engaged in repairing helicopter engines. Cadorath Aerospace Lafayette, LLC v. Ricks, No. 18A-CT-2953 (Ind. App. October 17, 2019)

Obtained dismissal of product manufacturer based on failure to state a cause of action

Obtained dismissal of medical device manufacturer on statute of limitations grounds

Successfully represented county zoning agency before the Indiana Court of Appeals on issue regarding the burning of hazardous waste

Bar Admissions

Indiana

Kentucky

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky

Firm Leadership

Office Executive Member, Jeffersonville, IN Office

Retirement Plan Committee, Member

Jeffersonville Office Recruiting Committee, Member (ex officio)

Lateral Recruiting Committee, Member

Memberships

American Bar Association

Indiana Bar Association

Clark County Bar Association

Defense Research Institute

Community Involvement

Jeffersonville Rotary

Boy Scouts (Troop Leader)

Junior Achievement

Leadership Southern Indiana

Southern Indiana Legal Volunteers

Education

J.D.,

1992

cum laude

Indiana University School of Law – Indianapolis

Org / Honor

Dean’s List

B.A., History,

1989

Indiana University Southeast

Org / Honor

Chancellor’s List 1988

Dean’s List

Student Body President 1988

Student of the Year Award 1988; History Student of the Year 1988

Alpha Chi Honor Society

More Than Stites & Harbison

Mr. Bates enjoys playing guitar with his sons and spending time at the family farm in Indiana. He is Past President of the Indiana University Southeast Alumni Association and was presented the Indiana University Alumni Association’s President’s Award (2010). Mr. Bates is active with the Boy Scouts of America and Leadership Southern Indiana. Doug was an intern for Magistrate-Judge Kenneth Foster, United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

Accolades

Best Lawyers in America®, Aviation Law; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (2024-25)