New York

Strategic Counsel for Transactions, Disputes & Growth

Senior-level counsel for businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, and law firms on transactions, disputes, restructuring, artificial intelligence, and New York co-counsel matters.

Experience at leading international law firms and in senior corporate roles.
Artificial Intelligence Practice Areas Contract General Counsel New York Co-Counsel
Michael S. Baker, Attorney at Law
About the Firm

Senior-Level Counsel. Broad Firm Capability.

Michael S. Baker, P.C. provides sophisticated legal counsel to businesses and entrepreneurs throughout New York's Hudson Valley, New York City, and beyond. Led by principal Michael S. Baker, the firm draws on major international law firm and in-house leadership experience to deliver practical, business-oriented advice on high-stakes matters.

The firm is built to provide senior attention, strategic judgment, and scalable support—offering clients the responsiveness of a focused practice without suggesting a one-lawyer, one-dimensional approach. Clients turn to the firm for capable counsel across transactions, financing, restructuring, disputes, and ongoing strategic business needs.

Elite Background

Partner at top-tier law firms

Proven Results

Complex transactions delivered

Client-Focused

Direct partner access always

Bilingual

English and French fluency

What We Do

Practice Areas

Comprehensive legal services tailored to the needs of businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders.

Artificial Intelligence

Legal counsel for businesses adopting and deploying AI, including governance, privacy, intellectual property, vendor risk, employment considerations, and regulatory compliance.

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Business Transactions

Entity formation, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and financing transactions supporting growth, investment, and strategic business planning, including credit facilities and structured financings.

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Business Disputes

Representing businesses, owners, and stakeholders in business disputes, as counsel for contract claims, partnership and ownership conflicts, and related commercial litigation.

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Contract General Counsel

Serving as ongoing general counsel for companies that do not require full-time in-house legal services.

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New York Co-Counsel

Seasoned, senior-level assistance on foreign and out-of-state transactions requiring experienced New York counsel, working seamlessly with primary deal teams. Learn more at USLegal.Support.

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Restructuring

Advising companies, owners, and stakeholders in workouts, reorganizations, and distressed situations, including strategic alternatives and creditor negotiations.

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Background

Professional Experience

A distinguished career spanning elite law firms and corporate leadership.

2025 - Present

Principal

Michael S. Baker, P.C., Warwick, NY

Serving as principal of the firm and advising businesses and entrepreneurs on transactions, corporate matters, financing, restructuring, and business disputes with senior-level, hands-on counsel.

2021 - 2025

Senior Corporate Strategist

New York • Cleveland

Led strategic initiatives including acquisitions, financing arrangements, and management of material litigation and contractual disputes.

2011 - 2021

Partner

Paul Hastings LLP, New York

Senior Partner and Co-Head of Leveraged Finance Practice. Represented lenders and borrowers in complex financings, restructurings, and liability management.

1998 - 2011

Partner

Shearman & Sterling LLP (now A&O Shearman), New York

Elected to partnership in 2007. Principal finance counsel for major automotive supplier bankruptcy financings during the financial crisis.

Credentials

Education and Admissions

Education

Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

Juris Doctor (J.D.), 1998

Glendon College, York University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), 1995

Bar Admissions

New York State

Admitted to Practice

U.S. District Court

Southern District of New York

Get in Touch

New York Co-Counsel

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