The Deal-Maker
He’s a hard-nosed litigator with a soft spot in his heart for the Special Olympics, a high-profile dealmaker who represents corporate giants such as Wal-Mart, Costco and McDonald’s — and "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis.
The Deal-Maker: Rick Bateman, Tallahassee Attorney, Founding Partner Bateman Harden
He’s a hard-nosed litigator with a soft spot in his heart for the Special Olympics, a high-profile dealmaker who represents corporate giants such as Wal-Mart, Costco and McDonald’s — and "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis.
Rick Bateman, 52, is a high-energy lawyer who focuses on representing people before local governments, making deals and litigating. His specialty: land development and land use.
"I bring people together to make a deal happen," he says. "It’s not a matter of influence. It’s knowing how the system works, having credibility and bringing two sides together on common ground."
Born in the small town of Camilla in southern Georgia, he graduated from the University of Florida law school and then moved to Tallahassee to be closer to his family’s Georgia businesses, which included land holdings, shopping centers and timber. (Not to mention that ranch in Montana where they raise quarter horses.)
Bateman has twin 19-year-old daughters — but neither is yet looking for a career in law. One is studying to become a vet, the other is in performing arts school. — Linda Kleindienst
1. Always with you: My attitude, my loyalty and my commitment to my clients, friends and family.
2. What wakes you up at night? Right now, the economy — lots of people are hurting out there.
3. Describe your style: A closer with Southern charm and a bit of temperament. I like to mix in humor.
4. What will be your legacy? My daughters.
5. Favorite getaway: The farm — Woodbine — with the one I love. That’s my 1,250-acre farm in Camilla, Ga.
6. Hobbies: Fishing, golf. (Bateman is also an expert bowman.).
7. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles.
8. Favorite day of the week: Sunday — cooking and relaxing at home.
9. Comfort food: Pork chops, cream corn and White Acre peas with Nanny’s Pear Relish.
10. Superstitious habits before a trial: Not superstitious, but I like to run a lot, before and during trial, just to think about the case.
11. Night out on the town: Dinner with my someone special and close friends (or kids), wine and lots of laughter.
12. How do you relax: Reading fiction.
13. How do clients find you? Through other attorneys, client referrals, self-promotion. Then they find me focused and driven to represent them in the best possible manner.
14. Do you have any advice for young people? Follow your dreams. Work hard at what you wish to obtain. And don’t hesitate to tell the ones you love that you love them.
