Born in Los Angeles, California, Eric Bates split his formative years between South Los Angeles and Culver City. Growing up in a household with a mother who was a music and art teacher as well as a self-proclaimed artist, it is not surprising that Eric had an early appreciation for the Arts.

While in college Eric worked with Los Angeles Unified School District assisting with the instruction of the Japanese Cultural Art Awareness curriculum. 

While attending law school, Mr. Bates clerked at the prestigious Law offices of Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., and became an associate attorney at the firm.

Eric Bates affection and loyalty for the urban core of Los Angeles has been demonstrated by his willingness to become involved in unique arts projects and other inherent challenges of the arts community. At Backstreet Galleries in West Los Angeles, he donated his time as a legal advisor for contract evaluations to protect new and emerging artist.  He is also currently a board member of Weingart YMCA location, in South Los Angeles, as well as a board member and grants Analyst for the California Blues Preservation Society of Southern California.

Mr. Bates as a Deputy Attorney General was selected to be part of a specialized, three attorneys “Complex Litigation Team” defending the State of California in a federal class action brought by individuals committed to Atascadero State Hospital under the Sexually Violent Predator Act (SVPA).  As one of the first attorneys in this state to litigate matters pursuant to the SVPA, he has also been asked to review, interpret and advise clients, federal and state courts on the constitutionality and applicability of the SVPA.

Mr. Bates was a Deputy Public Defender in the Los Angeles Public Defenders Office, supervising new attorneys in the largest misdemeanor court in U.S.

Mr. Bates leads a campaign for H.E.A.L. Inc. to bring focus to the visually challenged community of Los Angeles; as they seek acceptance and fulfillment, in their pursuit to elevate the “quality” of their lives through educational programs & musical events, developed by H.E.A.L. for their enhancement and entertainment.