Christopher Bates Email & Phone Number

Research and write on issues related to criminal law, antitrust, and intellectual property.

Briefed and argued cases in the Utah Supreme Court, Utah Court of Appeals, and federal courts of appeals. Handled evidentiary hearings in postconviction proceedings and cases on remand from the court of appeals. Represented the State of Utah in multistate litigation.

Taught classes on legal studies and constitutional law. Topics covered included federalism, separation of powers, the Bill of Rights, and criminal law.

Supervised litigation involving copyright infringement, licensing, and music royalties. Led investigations of websites and digital services to assess potential infringement liability.

Detailed from the Civil Division. Formulated strategy for international enforcement efforts and review of legacy consent decrees.

Managed litigation on a variety of subjects, with focus on defending regulations and other agency actions against legal challenge. Argued a dozen appeals in ten different circuits. Briefed and argued dispositive motions in multiple district courts. Deposed fact and expert witnesses. Served as co-counsel in bench trial.

Washington, DC

Chief legal advisor to Senator Hatch, with primary responsibility for criminal law, intellectual property, and antitrust. Led introduction and passage of the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act, Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act, and Rapid DNA Act.

Member of firm’s litigation group, with emphasis on commercial litigation and appeals. Cases included general commercial litigation, contract disputes, criminal appeals, False Claims Act investigations, and public benefits litigation. Served as law clerk for first three months.

J.D. Magna Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Harvard Law Review (Managing Editor), Federalist Society

B.A. Summa Cum Laude, Political Science