How much does it cost to hire Mary for a breach of contract case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Mary offer a free consultation?

Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some breach of contract attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.

How long do breach of contract cases in Alabama typically take?

Simple breach of contract matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?

Mary is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Mary will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Mary?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Mary accepting new breach of contract clients right now?

Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Mary Ellen Bates, Breach of Contract Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama

Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Breach of Contract, Consumer, and Contracts · 3.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatBates And Bone Llp

Birmingham, AL

Practicing breach of contract in Birmingham since 1998.

28+: Years practicing
3.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Breach of Contract Consumer Contracts Employment General Health Care +1 more →

Are you Mary Ellen Bates?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Mary Ellen Bates is a member based in Birmingham, AL. The practice focuses on Breach of Contract, Consumer, and Contracts. Mary has over 28 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Bates And Bone Llp. Rated 3.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Birmingham, AL
Experience: over 28 years
Known for: Breach of Contract · Consumer · Contracts

Handles Breach of Contract, Consumer, and Contracts matters from Birmingham, AL.
Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with Peer Reviewed.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Mary Ellen Bates

Mary concentrates on breach of contract, consumer, contracts, employment, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Mary handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Breach of Contract cases in Birmingham, Alabama

Mary takes breach of contract matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Birmingham, Alabama

Mary takes consumer matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Contracts cases in Birmingham, Alabama

Mary takes contracts matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Employment cases in Birmingham, Alabama

Mary takes employment matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

General cases in Birmingham, Alabama

Mary takes general matters in Birmingham, Alabama. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Mary agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Mary Ellen Bates — Over 28 years of Alabama breach of contract experience

Ms. Mary Ellen Bates is a lawyer practicing personal injury, breach of contract, fraud and 3 other areas of law. Mary received a B.A. degree from Auburn University in 1994, and has been licensed for 28 years. Mary practices at Bates & Bone, LLP in Birmingham, AL.

Working with Mary on a breach of contract matter

Clients Mary works with

Mary reviews new inquiries case-by-case for breach of contract, consumer, and contracts matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.

Credentials

Mary Ellen Bates's legal education and bar admissions

University of Alabama
J.D. · 1998
Auburn University
B.A. · 1994

Jurisdictions

Mary's state bar admissions

Alabama U.S. Court o
1998 · ACTIVE

Mary studied at J.D. in University of Alabama and B.A. in Auburn University.

Law school and academic background

Mary completed J.D. in University of Alabama and B.A. in Auburn University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Mary runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Mary Ellen Bates

Mary has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

Peer Reviewed

Legal awards and honors

Peer Reviewed.

Affiliations

Mary's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of Georgia Alabama Trial Lawyers Association
membership

Locations

Mary Ellen Bates's office in Birmingham

Mary's primary office is at 2154 Highland Ave. S., Birmingham, AL, 35205. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Bates And Bone Llp

2154 Highland Ave. S.

Birmingham, AL 35205

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Mary Ellen Bates — 3.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Mary. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing breach of contract attorneys in Birmingham.

3.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Mary Ellen Bates claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Mary Ellen Bates — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new breach of contract attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Mary usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Mary charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Mary will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a breach of contract attorney in Birmingham, Alabama

A short list to run through before you commit: How many breach of contract matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Mary

Mary discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in breach of contract practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every breach of contract matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Mary confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Mary's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many breach of contract practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Mary Ellen Bates

How much does it cost to hire Mary for a breach of contract case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Mary walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Mary offer a free consultation?
Mary charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Mary's office. Some breach of contract attorneys offer free consults — check Mary's current terms during booking.
How long do breach of contract cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple breach of contract matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Mary gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Mary take my case if I'm outside Birmingham?
Mary is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Mary will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Mary?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Mary will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Mary accepting new breach of contract clients right now?
Mary's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Breach of Contract attorneys serving Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama

Mary handles breach of contract matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified breach of contract attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Mary's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these breach of contract attorneys in Birmingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.