employees with tangible and helpful resources. These benefits will undoubtedly change over time, but getting a solid package that is reviewed regularly is imperative. Looking ahead, I see these benefits moving beyond traditional research tools and interest on lawyers’ trust accounts management to include health care benefits options, emerging artificial intelligence technologies and technology support. I acknowledge that I do not have all the answers for what attorneys need or want from the bar, but I am committed to making myself available for conversations, both formal and informal, to gain more input from the bar and work collaboratively with folks to move new ideas and projects forward.
How do you use your leadership skills to support attorneys and ensure access to justice in the community?
A huge impediment to access is the fact that we do not have enough attorneys in our state. In many cities throughout West Virginia, attorneys who have served their communities for years are retiring, and we do not have enough new attorneys coming in to do the work. Small town attorneys are invaluable in a community. Not only do they help people with a variety of legal issues that walk through the door but they act as informal mediators to resolve local problems, serve on community boards and associations and are looked to in the community as leaders in a host of different arenas. One of my primary focuses is to help get more attorneys working in areas of West Virginia that are in need.
What advice would you give to a first-year associate?
Having a solo law practice is an achievable goal. Jumping into private practice can seem daunting, but there are hundreds of attorneys doing that work in West Virginia now, and the need for more attorneys doing that type of work is high, especially in areas outside of our largest communities. The bar provides resources to help assist attorneys in practice, and we are always looking to enhance those resources to make it easier for someone to start a law practice and be a solo practitioner. Another piece of advice is to ask questions. West Virginia attorneys are happy to help and provide guidance. While we do not have formal mentorship currently, our West Virginia attorneys are very willing mentors. Call your colleagues, talk to them about challenges in your work and do not be afraid to co-counsel a case with another attorney. •
Baker and one his of daughters, Josephine. Photo by 84 Agency.
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