Jeff Baker

Our paralegal, Jeff Baker, grew up in Chicago’s south suburbs so, naturally, he chose Illinois to attend college.

Jeff studied computer science at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb (1985-1987) and obtained his BS in Paralegal Studies from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale (1992). What next? He marched right into law school, earning his JD from SIU’s School of Law in 1995. By accomplishing these goals, Jeff became the first on both sides of his family tree to graduate college and the first to earn an advanced degree.

Jeff’s 30-year career in the legal profession started with eight years in criminal practice as a prosecutor. In Illinois, he was Assistant State’s Attorney for Peoria County Government before moving to Arizona. He then spent four-and-a-half years as Deputy Prosecutor with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.

Versatile, competent, and a pleasure to be around, Jeff has proven himself to be a real asset to our clients and attorneys. For the last 13 years, he has focused on being an outstanding family law paralegal. Skilled in settlement and litigation management as well as estate planning, Jeff is on the legal team to assist clients through divorce and child custody matters. “I want to help clients see that their current situation is only temporary. That life after the trauma and drama of the process can be much better.” He would know. Following his own divorce, Jeff found the perfect complement to his life – he and Betsy have been married for 20 years now.

Jeff made The Valley his home over twenty years ago, but he’s still an unwavering Cubs and Bears fan. An enthusiastic traveler, he loves a family road trip (extra points for amusement park rollercoasters). He has taken his family to Wisconsin Dells, Cedar Point, Mt. Rushmore, Austin, and the family’s favorite travel spot – Chicago. After flying into Boston, he road-tripped to Washington, DC, via New York City. This is just the beginning, though. They have many adventures in the planning stages, including a trip to New Orleans for the Jazz Fest.

A mechanically-minded guy, Jeff has owned over 50 vehicles from cars, motorcycles, and scooters to garbage trucks, ambulances, and pickups. What’s his main hobby? Surfing government and business auctions on the lookout for interesting items. Jeff’s resale ventures have taught him that some curiosities just don’t sell. Who would have thought there’s little market for old mannequins and German chemical warfare suits?