Moats is a partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in the Commercial Practice Group. His legal practice is concentrated on banking and real estate. Before joining Carlile Patchen & Murphy in 1988, he was with the law firm of Kincaid Palmer and Randall. He also previously was a special agent with the FBI. He is a member of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, where he has served as President of the congregation and Chair of the Council. He volunteers with the Church-Based Legal Clinic, supported by the Columbus Bar Association. Moats also previously served as chairman of the local board of Westminster-Thurber Community and served on the Board of Trustees of Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Communities. Moats and his wife Patricia reside in the West Jefferson area and have two grown daughters.