Jeffrey R. Baker
Biography
Professor Baker is a Clinical Professor of Law and Assistant Dean of Clinical Education and Global Programs at Caruso School of Law. He directs the program of clinical education, including the legal clinics, externships, pro bono programs, and practicum courses, and the global programs, including the London Program, Washington DC Externship Semester, and the Augsburg Exchange Program. Professor Baker supervises and teaches the Community Justice Clinic and other courses.
In the Community Justice Clinic, Professor Baker practices with law students to provide pro bono legal services to local nonprofits, community organizations, and international nongovernmental organizations dedicated to justice, human rights, and empowerment among vulnerable and marginalized populations. The Clinic serves clients who are addressing homelessness and poverty, gender-based crimes and women's empowerment, sustainable agriculture and conservation, human trafficking,access to education and health care, and access to justice.
Professor Baker graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School before returning to Mississippi where he had a diverse trial and appellate practice in complex litigation with the firm of Watkins & Eager. From 2006-2013, Baker was an associate professor of law and Director of Clinical Programs at Faulkner University Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama, where he was Professor of the Year in 2011-2012.
Professor Baker has also led legal clinics addressing domestic violence, elder law, and disaster responses. He has extensive experience as a civil litigator, corporate counsel, advocate, and negotiator. He is also a mediator and regularly teaches and consults on negotiation and conflict resolution.
His scholarship addresses domestic violence and gender justice, human rights, social justice, and professional ethics and responsibility. . Professor Baker speaks and writes regularly on clinical education, professional formation, public interest lawyering, and social justice. He also edits the Clinical Law Prof Blog and is actively involved with the Clinical Legal Education Association and the Section on Clinical Legal Education of the Association of American Law Schools.
In Alabama, he received the Montgomery Advertiser's Martin Luther King Spirit Honors Award and the Justice for Victims Award from the area domestic violence shelter. There he also served in leadership and direction for nonprofits, community and professional organizations.
In California he serves on the boards of nonprofits committed to access to expanding justice, resources, and health for vulnerable communities. He is active in church and neighborhood ministries. In 2020, he received a Dolphin Award for Citizens of the Year from the Malibu Times.
He is a member of the Mississippi, Alabama and California bars.
Education
- J.D., Vanderbilt University, 2000
- B.A., Harding University, 1997, magna cum laude
Topics
- Civil Procedure
- Clinical Law
- Dispute Resolution
- Ethics
- Family Law
- Human Rights
- Mediation
- Public Interest Law
- Torts
- Trial Advocacy