JAMES C. BAKER, a Northern Michigan native, is a seasoned trial attorney, having successfully represented clients in a variety of forums, excelling in a myriad of specialties. He brings to the litigation arena a proven record with substantial verdicts, settlements, and arbitration decisions; as well as a winning record in the appellate courts.
While in law school, Mr. Baker clerked for former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Michael F. Cavanagh and the Michigan Attorney General, he was received the Leadership Achievement Award, was chosen by his peers as the Valedictory speaker at his class' commencement, he was a three-term Editor of Law Review, and competed nationally in Trial Advocacy and Moot Court competitions.
Prior to his legal career he worked with families at risk, having focused on helping youth involved with gangs. Mr. Baker has been published internationally. He received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Marine Corps, having served as Presidential Honor Guard and Infantry Fire Team Leader.
Mr. Baker is the father of boy/girl twins and a younger daughter. He, his wife Julie, and his family proudly call Bloomfield Hills their home.
Practice areas
Primarily plaintiff/employee based litigation attorney. Will handle the majority of cases on a contingency fee, but do require hourly fees billed on reviewing employment agreements.
7 years, 15 cases
No-Fault first and third party; premises; construction; contract; errors and omissions.
17 years, 15 cases
Business, financial, service, goods, etc.
20 years, 10 cases
All other areas of civil litigation, including probate matters.
20 years, 5 cases
Languages spoken
English
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| MI | Active And In Good Standing | 2001 | 08/23/2021 |
| Legal answers | 6 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Achievement Award | Thomas M. Cooley Law School | 2000 |
| Eugene Krasicky Award | Thomas M. Cooley Law School | 2000 |
| Corpus Juris Secundum Award in Civil Procedure | Thomas M. Cooley Law School | 1998 |
| Honorable Discharge | United States Marine Corps | 1990 |
| Good Conduct Medal | United States Marine Corps | 1990 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Sterling Attorneys at Law, PC | 2015 - Present |
| Managing Attorney | Varjabedian Attorneys, PC | 2013 - 2015 |
| Associate | Smith & Johnson Attorneys, PC | 2003 - 2013 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| National Employment Lawyers Association | Member | 2015 - Present |
| Catholic Lawyers Society | Member | 2015 - Present |
| Marine Corps League | Member | 2011 - Present |
| Michigan Association for Justice | Member | 2005 - Present |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Position Paper - Australian Youth Institute | Law and Order or Crime Prevention | 1994 |
| National Children's and Youth Law Centre | Wishes vs. Welfare; Discussing Legal Representation of Children from an International Perspective | 1994 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| The Thomas M. Cooley Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2001 |
| Michigan State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1995 |
| University of New South Wales | NA | N/A |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| MCODSA Annual Meeting | Serving Process | 2012 |
| MAJ Seminar in the Snow | Collecting Judgments | 2005 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Schleicher v Preferred Services, Inc.; US Circuit Court of Appeals/6th Circuit Case No. 15-1716 | Appeal pending. |
| Robertson v City of Pontiac; MI CoA No. 310552 | Defeated summary disposition; affirmed by court of appeals; defeated application for leave to appeal; case resolves favorably for client. |
| In re Lund Estate; MI CoA No. 264044 | Bank's case dismissed at probate court; affirmed by Michigan Court of Appeals. |
Posted by Lisa
Thu Jan 30 2020
Posted by Kathy
Fri Jan 01 2016
Howard Lederman, Personal injury Attorney on Jan 10, 2016
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer. Having worked with Jim for about 2 years, I found that he represented the firm's clients with determination, effectiveness, honesty, and integrity. Also, he related with other people, including judges, their clerks, opposing counsel, legal assistants, team members, and clients real well. Further, he made good decisions and exercised good judgment, even in difficult situations. Lastly, Jim is a real good trial lawyer and negotiator. He can try a case well and negotiate well. If asked to recommend a personal injury attorney, I would recommend Jim.
Edward Fisher, Litigation Attorney on Jan 5, 2016
Relationship: Other
I worked with Jim on several matters while we were employed at a previous firm. I found Jim to be diligent, proficient, competent and exceptionally caring about his work product, his work ethic and the value he provided to his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend Jim as counsel in a complex matter.
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