This paper reports the synthesis and detailed characterization of six novel lanthanide complexes of La(III), Eu(III) and Nd(III) with N(4)-substituted thiosemicarbazones derived from the 2-carboxybenzaldehyde. The IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic studies confirmed the coordination of the thiocarbonyl (C=S), azomethine (C=N) and carboxylate (COO-) groups to the metal centers, and the carboxylate was coordinated in a bidentate manner. The elemental and thermal analyses suggest that lanthanide complexes were formed in 1:2 molar ratios (metal:ligand). The molar conductivity values confirmed the non-electrolytic nature of the complexes. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by UV absorption and viscosity measurements. It was found that the Eu(III) and Nd(III) complexes could roll along the DNA strands through groove interactions. Furthermore, lanthanide complexes could promote the oxidative cleavage of plasmid pBR322 in a high-oxidative stress environment. Finally, the Schiff base ligands (L) and their complexes were evaluated for their antibacterial activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using a microdilution procedure. The results indicate that the lanthanide complexes exhibit more potent antibacterial activity than the free ligands.