William S. Baker
About
William S. Baker has been a distinguished attorney practicing since 1989 in jurisdictions including Arizona, Texas, California, and New York. He brings a wealth of experience from his time as a solo practitioner focusing on family court and personal injury, to serving as an Assistant City Attorney in Austin. His legal prowess spans a broad array of practice areas, notably in Criminal Law, Litigation, and Family Law. As a former Deputy County Attorney and a judge pro tem, his extensive courtroom experience and legal acumen enable him to handle complex legal challenges effectively. Committed to justice and excellence, William has successfully argued cases from misdemeanors to class one felonies, showcasing his skill in both trial preparation and execution. His professional journey is marked by a profound commitment to the ethics and responsibilities of legal practice, making him a trusted advocate for his clients.
Practice Areas
Civil Law, Litigation, Criminal Law, Juvenile Adjudication, Family Law, Trial Advocacy
Education
- Juris Doctor, University of Arizona College of Law, Tucson, AZ (1988)
- BA in Political Science, Minor in History, University of California, San Diego, Revelle College
Admitted Jurisdictions
- Arizona
- Texas
- California
- New York
Associations
- Chair, Criminal Justice Section, Arizona Bar (1995-1997)
- Member, State Bar Ethics Hearing Committee 6H, Arizona Bar
- Member, Maricopa County Bar Association’s Respect for the Law Program
Industry Expertise
- Public Defense
- Municipal Law
Clerkships
- Law Clerk, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice, Tucson
Career Highlights
- Revelle Outstanding Service Award
- Assistant City Attorney: Between 2000 to 2002, William served as Assistant City Attorney in Austin, Texas, handling a wide variety of legal issues including misdemeanor class C offenses, jury trials, bench trials, and juvenile matters.
- Maricopa County Attorney’s Office: As Deputy County Attorney from 1989 to 1997, William prosecuted a range of cases from class three misdemeanors to class one felonies. His responsibilities included grand jury presentations, preliminary hearings, trial preparations. Special Recognition, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, June 2018
- Judge Pro Tem: William has also contributed his expertise as Judge Pro Tem for the Tempe City Court, demonstrating his leadership and judicial skills in a court setting.
- Public Defender: During his tenure as a sole practitioner from 1997 to 1999, he served as a public defender in the City of Glendale, advocating for defendants’ rights and ensuring just legal processes