Overview
Michael Simon Baker (b. 1972, Toronto) is a multifaceted professional whose career spans international corporate law, executive leadership, music production, filmmaking, and artificial intelligence advisory. A partner at elite global law firms, a senior corporate strategist, a record label co-founder, a film producer, and a lifelong musician, Baker represents a rare synthesis of analytical rigor and creative vision.
Legal Career
Baker began his legal career at Shearman & Sterling LLP (now A&O Shearman), rising from associate to partner with expertise in leveraged finance and bankruptcy restructuring. In 2011, he joined Paul Hastings LLP as a partner in New York, serving as co-leader of the firm's leveraged finance practice. Recognized by both Chambers and Legal 500 as a top finance lawyer, Baker advised banks on major leveraged buyouts, refinancings, and syndicated loans. Following his partnership tenure, he served as a senior corporate strategist for a major aftermarket auto supplier before returning to law practice in 2025. He now leads an AI-focused legal practice at ArtificialIntelligence.Law, advising on AI governance, compliance, and intellectual property matters.
AI Expertise
An early adopter of artificial intelligence technologies, Baker has integrated AI into both legal practice and creative work. He has authored a legal resource on AI governance and liability as well as a guide to creative AI applications. Baker is regularly consulted on AI implementation, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property issues arising from AI-generated content in business and entertainment.