Woods & Bates, P.C.

The Preeminent Rural Law Firm in Central Illinois

inventory_2_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24 1

Estate Administration

Probating the Estate of a deceased person.

Finalizing the affairs of a loved one after they pass away can be a daunting task. Let us help.

Learn More

real_estate_agent_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24 1

Estate Planning

What will happen when I die?

Our firm takes a wholistic approach to estate planning and help form a plan based on the unique circumstances of every client.

Learn More

location_home_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24 1

Real Estate

Buying or selling real estate is important.

Avoid common pitfalls of the real estate process with a skilled attorney advocating for you throughout the transaction.

Learn More

judgeTwo

About Woods & Bates, P.C.

Our firm focuses our practice on estate and trust administration, estate planning, and real estate matters. These can be emotionally taxing areas of law for clients. Our attorneys draw on decades of experience to guide you through the issues presented and will help put your mind at ease. At Woods & Bates, P.C., we understand the importance of flexibility in legal services. That's why we offer both virtual consultations and in-person meetings to accommodate your preferences and ensure a personalized experience.

Mission

To be a firm that gives purpose to employees, provides high quality representation to appreciative clients, and creates meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.

Vision

To be the preeminent Central Illinois rural law firm helping families to build, sustain, and preserve their legacies.

Firm Values

Courage

Stand up for what we believe in and be
brave in the face of all circumstances.

Wisdom

Never stop learning and stay up to date on
current legal trends and decisions.

Integrity

Be true to your word and do what you say you will do. Expect integrity in return in the form of payment for services rendered.

High Ambition

Be content, but never satisfied.
Abhor laziness.

Self-Control

Do not let others dictate the way we act. Maintaining a calm and clear mind helps to make wise decisions.

Courtesy

Be kind in all interactions with
others.

Responsiveness

Respond to all client contacts
within 24 hours.

Contact Woods & Bates for Your Legal Needs

Our History

1972

Woods & Bates Founded

Woods & Bates was founded by William C. Bates, Jr. and Robert J. Woods

2012

Acquired Harris & Harris

Harris & Harris was founded in 1921 by Judge Thomas Milton Harris and his son, Homer Blinn Harris.

2019

Acquired Culbertson & Allen, LLC

Branched out to a second office in Delavan, Illinois with the acquisition of Culbertson & Allen, LLC

2021

Acquired Phillip M. Kirby Law Office

Established a third office location in Mason City, Illinois.

Attorneys

What Our Clients Say

Why Choose Us?

diversity_3_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24 1

Community Minded

We live in the communities where we work and
understand local needs and concerns.

handshake_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24 1

Integrity

We do exactly what we say we will do.

update_FILL1_wght400_GRAD0_opsz24 1

Timeliness

Your time is important and we understand the need to make timely progress on client matters.