Atty. Derek J. Baker

Atty. Derek J. Baker

Derek J. Baker is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & commercial restructuring, financial industry group.

Princeton Princeton 28 yrs experience 28 year
Call (640) 230-6537 Book Appointment

Bankruptcy & Commercial Restructuring & More Attorney · Serving Princeton, NJ · 28+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Derek J. Baker at a Glance

Derek J. Baker is a Partner based in Princeton, New Jersey, practicing at Reed Smith LLP. They have 28+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1998. Their practice focuses on bankruptcy. Admitted to practice in New Jersey (1998) and Pennsylvania U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit U.S. District Court, Eastern, Western and Middle D (1998). Educated at University of Dayton School of Law (J.D., 1998) and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania (B.A., 1995). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Serves clients in Princeton, NJ and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Derek J. Baker

  • Derek J. Baker is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy & commercial restructuring, financial industry group
  • Derek J. received a B.A. degree from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 1995, and has been licensed for 28 years
  • Derek J. practices at Reed Smith LLP in Princeton, NJ and 1 other location

Practice Areas Explained

Derek J. Baker's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derek J. Baker handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Princeton.

Bankruptcy & Debt in Princeton

A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Derek J. Baker is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in New Jersey →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Princeton

Practicing law in New Jersey. Legal matters in New Jersey are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Princeton are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New Jersey state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New Jersey brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New Jersey courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Princeton Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Princeton-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional New Jersey attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Princeton or all attorneys in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Derek J. Baker

Where is Derek J. Baker's law office located?
Derek J. Baker's law practice is located in Princeton, New Jersey. The firm is Reed Smith LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Derek J. Baker handle?
Derek J. Baker focuses on bankruptcy. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in New Jersey.
How long has Derek J. Baker practiced law?
Derek J. Baker has 28+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1998.
Where did Derek J. Baker go to law school?
Derek J. Baker earned their education at (J.D., 1998); (B.A., 1995).
How can I contact Derek J. Baker for a consultation?
You can contact Derek J. Baker directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Derek J. Baker received?
Derek J. Baker's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Princeton Choose Derek J. Baker

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Derek J. Baker's practice in the field of bankruptcy.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Derek J. Baker brings 28+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in New Jersey and Pennsylvania U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit U.S. District Court, Eastern, Western and Middle D, Derek J. Baker can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Focused Bankruptcy Practice

Concentrating on bankruptcy means Derek J. Baker's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.

Local Presence in Princeton

A Princeton-based practice means Derek J. Baker attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues Derek J. Baker Handles in Princeton

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Derek J. Baker has experience with under New Jersey law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Chapter 7 liquidation
Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 repayment plans
Bankruptcy
Debt negotiation
Bankruptcy
Creditor harassment defense
Bankruptcy

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Derek J. Baker directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Derek J. Baker Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Princeton commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like Derek J. Baker.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with Derek J. Baker directly.

Derek J. Baker's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of Dayton School of Law
- 1998
B.A.
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
- 1995

Awards & Professional Honors

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

New Jersey
Admitted: 1998
Pennsylvania U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit U.S. District Court, Eastern, Western and Middle D
Admitted: 1998

Client Reviews & Ratings — Derek J. Baker

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