James C. Baker

James C. Baker is a partner in the Litigation Practice Group at Friday, Eldredge & Clark, LLP, where he concentrates on casualty insurance defense, utility defense, railroad and trucking litigation, and complex commercial disputes. In more than 30 years of practice, he has led over 125 jury trials and taken part in more than 400 bench trials, arbitrations, and mediations.

James earned his Bachelor of Arts from Hendrix College in 1983 before completing his Juris Doctor at the University of Arkansas Leflar Law Center in 1986. Since his admission to the Arkansas bar, James has built a reputation for his skill in handling catastrophic accident cases, including transportation, electrocution, and explosion claims, combining courtroom advocacy with technical knowledge of accident reconstruction, safety regulations, and industry standards.

James work spans motor carrier litigation, wrongful death defense, product liability, fire and explosion investigations, and catastrophic injury claims. He is regularly called upon to investigate real-time accidents involving trains, tractor-trailers, utilities, and gas pipelines, providing immediate strategic response and long-term litigation defense. He also serves as a frequent speaker on trial practice, workers’ compensation, and defense strategies for insurers and industry groups.

James C. Baker is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. His honors include recognition in The Best Lawyers in America since 2011, selection to Mid-South Super Lawyers, and the Arkansas Association of Defense Counsel’s Outstanding Defense Attorney Award. Rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell, he is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, reflecting his respected standing as a trial lawyer and advocate for clients across industries.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Friday Eldredge & Clark LLP
• Member, DRI (formerly Defense Research Institute)
• Advocate, American Board of Trial Advocates
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Arkansas Bar Association
• Member, Pulaski County Bar Association
• Member, American Board of Trial Advocates

Licensed State

• Arkansas

Education

• University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Leflar Law Center
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Hendrix College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges