Jim Baker has been serving clients in Central New York for over forty years, starting as a law clerk for a small Ithaca firm in the summer of 1978 after his first year of Cornell Law
School. He was admitted to practice law in January of 1981. Since 2001, his practice focused on Criminal Defense, the second love of his life. Jim has represented countless defendants in a variety of criminal matters. He defended two death penalty cases (one as lead counsel) and tried approximately ten murder cases. He also defended (and tried) many serious drug felonies, burglaries, robberies, assaults, and sex offense cases. Although Jim tried many cases successfully, he also derived great satisfaction from being able to aggressively negotiate fair resolutions for his clients without the risks and expenses of trial.
Jim announced his retirement effective December 31, 2021, and closed both his Ithaca and Auburn Offices. His phone numbers are forwarded to The Law Offices of J. Justin Woods PLLC, who is available to defend and serve Jim’s clients in the same vigorous manner. Attorney Woods was fortunate to be among the last attorneys Jim mentored before he retired, and Justin joins a long list of colleagues in CNY who count Jim as a mentor. Thank you Jim, and enjoy a happy retirement!