William Blinn Bates, Jr.

“When people contact me, I want them to feel a sense of relief knowing that they've got someone who’s going to help solve their issue and who is willing to go to the lengths necessary to do what they need done.”

As the grandson of the founder of a firm with ties stretching back over a century, Blinn Bates has long been familiar with the practice of law centered on protecting the assets of families in central Illinois. But it was not inevitable that he would follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. He explored other forms of legal practice and became frustrated with the delays in litigation and the court system. He realized he could better help people by focusing on the preparations and transactions that make up the practice of estate planning and administration and real estate law.

“It can be really rewarding,” he explains. “With the work we do, we have the ability to make a significant positive impact on the lives of our clients and the lives of their loved ones.”

Blinn is a problem-solver, taking a straight, no-nonsense approach that sometimes catches people off guard. He wants to accomplish client’s goals efficiently to avoid wasting their time or their resources. At the same time, however, he always strives to ensure that clients understand their options and the ramifications of the choices that they make. Knowing that clients often come to him to prepare for the unknowns of the future or when they are dealing with a situation filled with confusion or grief, he is never too busy to answer questions.

“Our goal is to make complex matters simple and easily understandable for clients,” he notes. “I think that’s unique in our field.”

Since joining Woods & Bates, P.C. in 2008, Blinn has focused his practice on estate planning, probate administration, real estate transactions, and representation of certain businesses and medical concerns. He counsels individuals and families on the preservation and transfer of assets between generations, drafting wills, trusts, and other documents to suit clients’ specific goals.

A native of Lincoln, Blinn earned his Juris Doctor degree from Drake University Law School with honors in 2007. He is a Past President of the Logan County Bar Association and currently serves as an active member of the Association as well as the Illinois Bar Association. In addition, he is active in local civic, charity, and educational affairs, and currently serves on the District #27 School Board.

As a sports enthusiast and avid traveler, Blinn loves to discover new places but he is equally comfortable in a chair cheering on his favorite college basketball teams. When not assisting clients, you might find him on the golf course or exploring the great outdoors with his yellow labs, Tucker and Goldie.