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 in 2019. 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 worked with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s after being selected as the 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 vice-chairman of the Board for the John Rex Endowment. He leads the Social Action Committee for the Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and he is the immediate past president of the chapter. Additionally, Judge Baker is a longtime member of the Southeast Raleigh YMCA Advisory Board. Judge Baker presently serves as one of Wake County’s Juvenile Court Judges and he is a member of the Wake County Juvenile Crime Prevention Commission. 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.