Leonard Baker Email & Phone Number

I have been a practicing attorney for over forty (40) years, primarily devoted to criminal defense. To that end, I have represented clients on matters ranging from Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs (DUI) to Capital Murder. I have litigated matters in Federal, State and Municipal Courts. I also represented clients before Administrative Courts and Agencies throughout New Jersey. Throughout my career, I have represented individuals, banks, corporations, political appointees, and police officers from many different agencies. Additionally, I have represented various public agencies, including probation offices, police offices, and Sheriff’s Offices, in conducting contract negotiations. As such, I have developed a unique and specialized knowledge in the workings of all of these agencies.In 1988, I became one of a select number of criminal attorneys in New Jersey to attain the distinction of becoming a “Certified Criminal Trial Attorney by the New Jersey Supreme Court.” To achieve this prestigious distinction, I had to pass a comprehensive exam, handle a significant number of criminal matters, and be recognized by my peers and judges as an expert in criminal law. For over 25 years, I was an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law at Rutgers School of Law, Camden, until my retirement in June of 2016. I was first retained in August 1989 by Dean Roger Dennis to teach an advanced course in Criminal Procedure. I instructed students on the law of Search and Seizure and various other important Criminal Law topics. In 1993, the law school tasked me with developing a new course to offer its senior students who had an interest in practicing Criminal law upon graduation. I formulated, from scratch, a new curriculum entitled “Criminal Practice.” Through this new and innovative course, students are taught the Criminal Justice System through the eyes of a 40 plus year litigator. While having the students do mock litigation, I helped my students sharpen their courtroom skills by teaching them advanced methods of oral argument and direct and cross-examination of various types of witnesses.Additionally, I have successfully litigated numerous civil matters resulting in substantial awards to his client. In John Doe v. Caesars Casino, et al, I attained a 2.4 million dollar verdict for my client. In 2009, I settled a case against Valero Oil Corporation for 1.4 million dollars. In 2010, I recovered a half million dollars for an injured bicyclist. In winning these civil cases, I was able to translate my skills in the criminal courts to the civil courts.