2021 Awardee

W.H. Bert Bates, 94

 

W.H. Bert Bates is known for being passionate and for his sense of humor. He is always ready to lead a sing-a-long, especially on Veteran’s Day! He served overseas in the infantry division during World War II. For over 68 years, Bates has practiced law and continues to do so at Lathrop GPM. He has extensive experience in drafting and lobbying statutes regarding the laws of the State of Missouri. He has mentored countless attorneys over the years, and as a top-notch outside legal counsel, has guided numerous companies that helped change and form the state of Missouri. In 2009, he was awarded the Outstanding Kansas Citian Award from the Rotary Club of Kansas City in recognition of his longstanding record of philanthropic and legal service. In 2018, Mr. Bates was one of 25 attorneys from Missouri honored in the inaugural 2018 ICON Awards for his exemplary careers and longstanding commitment to the Missouri legal community and beyond the field of law. Bates has served as President of the Missouri Bar and was awarded an Honorary Degree as Juris Doctor Honorarius by M.U. in 2016. He was also awarded by the KC Metro Bar Association in 2018 for the Lifetime Achievement Award. He is a former Chair of the Greater Kansas City and the Missouri State Chambers of Commerce and is the past president of the University of Missouri, Board of Curators. When he is not busy at the office or helping others, he can often be found in the pub with friends cheering on his Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers. In addition, he has been active in bringing civic and community speakers and events to Bishop Spencer Place.