Hank Bates

Hank Bates is a partner who represents individuals, small businesses, public interest groups, and governmental entities in litigation. His practice focuses on consumer fraud, data privacy, employee rights, environmental protection, and public interest matters. He helps clients pursue claims involving large-scale misconduct, harmful business practices, pollution, and violations of legal rights. His work often involves class actions and complex cases designed to protect consumers, workers, communities, and natural resources.

Hank earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University School of Law in 1992, where he received the Andrew Ewing Scholarship, was elected to the Order of the Coif, and served as Articles Editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review. He earned his B.A. from Harvard University in 1987 as a National Merit Scholar and later studied at the University of Manchester in Great Britain through a Rotary International Fellowship. His education supports his detailed legal analysis and broad public interest practice.

Hank has handled major consumer, privacy, environmental, and employment litigation across the country. His experience includes cases involving insurance settlement practices, identity theft protection services, tobacco marketing, email privacy, social media message privacy, children’s data tracking, and major customer data breaches. He has also represented communities affected by industrial pollution, tribal interests harmed by mining waste, farmers facing crop damage from defective pesticides, and workers in race discrimination litigation.

Hank Bates is recognized for combining complex litigation experience with a strong commitment to public interest work. He has served in leadership roles with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Public Justice, and bar association committees focused on environmental law and chemical regulation. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America and recognized by Mid-South Super Lawyers. His practice reflects careful preparation, community commitment, and practical advocacy for clients facing serious legal and social issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Carney Bates & Pulliam, PLLC
• Member, Arkansas Bar Association
• Member, California Bar Association
• Member, Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, American Association for Justice

Licensed State

• Arkansas
• California

Education

• Vanderbilt University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Harvard University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges