Judge David Baker Biography
In and out of the courtroom, Judge Baker is described by those who know him as a man with great patience and a calming demeanor well-suited for any high pressure, high stakes role. He is thoughtful, occasionally witty, and wise. He is known as a man who cares about the community and for people. He is a trusted leader with years of experience that make him well-suited for the judiciary.
Judge Baker was in private practice for nearly ten years before Governor Roy Cooper appointed him to serve as a District Court Judge for the Tenth Judicial District in Wake County, North Carolina. Within his practice he concentrated in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury where he honed his skills in criminal and civil procedure. Prior to entering private practice, Judge Baker was selected as Legal Aid of North Carolina’s 2007 Clifton W. Everett, Sr. Community Lawyer Fellow. He served as an attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina for three years representing hundreds of individuals on an array of issues, including but not limited to, fair housing, consumer protection, child custody, and elder law.
Judge Baker is deeply committed to serving the community. He presently serves as the chairman for the Southeast Raleigh YMCA Advisory Board. He also serves as Chapter President of the Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. He is the immediate past Chairman of the African-American Cultural Festival of Raleigh and Wake County- the largest festival of its kind in the southeastern United States. Judge Baker is a past board member of CASA, a nonprofit organization committed to ending homelessness in the Triangle Area. Judge Baker is a man of faith. He is an ordained deacon and a member of Poplar Springs Christian Church. Judge Baker is called upon frequently to address youth groups and other community organizations. He enjoys public speaking and is always happy to share his keen insights for the benefit of others.
Judge Baker is a 1996 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Before entering Law School at North Carolina Central University in 2003 he worked as a program coordinator and organizer for some of North Carolina’s leading nonprofit organizations including Passage Home Community Development Corporation and The North Carolina Justice and Community Development Center.
Judge Baker is married to his college sweetheart, Twanda Jones Baker and they have three wonderful children. In his free time Judge Baker enjoys playing golf, listening to music, and outdoor grilling.
