Baker: A Journey Through Law, Science, and Cherokee Justice
The trajectory of Baker's career is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary education and a commitment to justice. From her upbringing in Westville, Oklahoma, within the Cherokee Nation Reservation, Baker has navigated a path that blends biological science with high-level legal expertise, eventually serving as a pivotal figure in the judicial system of her people.
Key Facts
- Education: Holds degrees in biological science and law from John Brown University and the University of Tulsa, an LL.M from Columbia University, and an LL.M in taxation from New York University.
- Judicial Role: Served as a Justice of the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court, the highest court in the Cherokee Nation government.
- Landmark Ruling: Authored the opinion in Effect of Cherokee Nation v. Nash & Vann v. Zinke, granting full citizen rights to Cherokee Freedmen.
- Professional Experience: Former assistant professor of law and founder of Family Legacy & Wealth Counsel, PLLC.
- Community Involvement: Mentor cyclist for the 'Remember the Removal' bike ride commemorating the Trail of Tears.
Educational Foundation and Academic Pivot
Baker grew up during the tenure of Wilma Mankiller, the first woman Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. As the first member of her family to attend college, she initially pursued a biology major at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. However, her academic focus shifted after viewing The Ghosts of Mississippi, a film detailing the pursuit of justice for civil rights activist Medgar Evers. This experience served as a catalyst, prompting her to transition from science to law.
Baker's academic journey was characterized by a refusal to abandon her scientific roots. While majoring in law at the University of Tulsa, she continued her science coursework. In 2002, she achieved a dual milestone, earning both a master's degree in biological science and a law degree with highest honors.
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Advanced Legal Specialization
Following her initial degrees, Baker expanded her expertise through prestigious institutions. She earned a master's in law from Columbia University in 2007, where she was recognized as a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and contributed to the Journal of Gender and Law. Later, while working full-time, she attended New York University's School of Law, graduating in 2015 with a Master of Laws (LL.M)—an advanced postgraduate academic degree—specializing in taxation.
Professional Career and Private Practice
Baker's professional life began in family law at the Oklahoma firm Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, where she received the Martin Fellows Smith Award. She later transitioned into academia as an assistant professor of law at the Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, Florida. Her contributions were recognized in 2009 when the James Weldon Johnson Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association named her the Outstanding Faculty Member of the year.
In 2015, Baker leveraged her taxation and legal expertise to found Family Legacy & Wealth Counsel, PLLC, an estate planning practice. Through this venture, she has published work specifically addressing estate planning for same-sex couples.
Service to the Cherokee Nation
Upon returning to Oklahoma, Baker sought to serve the Cherokee Nation government. Although her first nomination to the bench was unsuccessful, she was appointed by Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. to the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission. In 2020, she was nominated again and sworn in as a Justice of the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court.
As the third woman to serve on the bench—following Stacy L. Leeds and the late Angela Barker-Jones—Baker joined the body responsible for interpreting the tribe's constitution and statutes in all civil and criminal proceedings.
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A Landmark Decision for Cherokee Freedmen
On February 22, 2021, Baker published her first written opinion in the case Effect of Cherokee Nation v. Nash & Vann v. Zinke. This ruling was historic, as it granted full citizen rights to Cherokee Freedmen—descendants of African American people previously enslaved by Cherokee Indians. This decision effectively ended discrimination against those on the reservation and elsewhere who were not Cherokee by blood. The opinion was praised by Graham Lee Brewer of High Country News for its exceptional writing.
Legacy and Transition
Beyond the courtroom, Baker has remained active in commemorating Cherokee history. In June 2024, she served as a mentor cyclist in the 40th 'Remember the Removal' bike ride, an event honoring the victims of the Trail of Tears (the forced displacement of Cherokees between 1830 and 1850).
On February 1, 2025, Baker resigned from her position on the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court to begin a new chapter working for Cherokee Nation Businesses.
| Period/Year | Achievement/Role | Institution/Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | M.S. Biological Science & J.D. (Highest Honor) | University of Tulsa |
| 2007 | Master's in Law | Columbia University |
| 2009 | Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year | Florida Coastal School of Law |
| 2015 | LL.M in Taxation | New York University |
| 2015 | Founder | Family Legacy & Wealth Counsel, PLLC |
| 2020 | Supreme Court Justice | Cherokee Nation |
| 2025 | Professional Transition | Cherokee Nation Businesses |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Baker's ruling on Cherokee Freedmen?
Baker's opinion in Effect of Cherokee Nation v. Nash & Vann v. Zinke granted full citizen rights to the descendants of African Americans previously enslaved by Cherokee Indians, ending legal discrimination against those who were not Cherokee by blood.
What is the role of the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the Cherokee Nation government, tasked with interpreting the tribe's statutes and constitution across all criminal and civil proceedings.
How did Baker's academic path change over time?
Baker began as a biology major at John Brown University but shifted to law after being inspired by a film about the pursuit of justice for Medgar Evers. She eventually maintained both interests, earning degrees in both biological science and law.
What is the 'Remember the Removal' bike ride?
It is an annual event that commemorates the Trail of Tears, the forced displacement of the Cherokee people from their homelands between 1830 and 1850.
What is Baker's current professional affiliation as of 2025?
As of February 1, 2025, Baker has resigned from the Supreme Court to work for Cherokee Nation Businesses.