Consumer Law Focus

Ms. Bates is one of the relatively few attorneys who has devoted a substantial portion of her practice to consumer law since the 1980's. Clients are regularly referred to her by the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, D.C., Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety [CARS] in Sacramento, California, by other attorneys, as well as individuals in the auto industry. Ms. Bates will counsel car owners on how to resolve matters themselves. In appropriate cases, she will take a matter on a semi-contingency basis.

The warranty laws also apply to other purchases besides automobiles. If a business engages in deceptive business practices, it may not be economically feasible for an individual to hire an attorney to take the case to trial; however, knowing the law so as to protect oneself, and so as to bring an action in small claims court, for small damages, may resolve the matter for an individual.