Matthew I.W. Baker, Esq., Partner, operates out of the Newark, NJ office. Specializing in Complex Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense, Investigations & Compliance, and Class Action Defense, Mr. Baker brings a wealth of experience to the firm's diverse practice areas.
With a robust background in all phases of litigation across state and federal courts, Mr. Baker has a proven track record in handling complex civil actions. His practice encompasses a wide array of cases, including federal and state RICO actions, constitutional and civil rights matters, insurance and healthcare fraud cases, professional malpractice, employment and wrongful termination disputes, election law cases, construction disputes, public contract bids and awards, and various business torts.
Mr. Baker is also regarded for his advisory role to corporate, non-profit, and public entities on corporate governance issues. His experience extends to litigating disputes related to the Open Public Records Act and the Open Public Meetings Act, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of legal compliance and transparency in governance.
Educationally, Mr. Baker holds a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School and a Master of Public Policy from the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at George Washington University. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University. During his law and graduate studies, he gained invaluable experience clerking at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia in both the Criminal Division and the Special Proceedings Division, as well as at the U.S. Department of Justice in the Office for Access to Justice.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Baker is deeply committed to community service and leadership. He is a 2016 Fellow of Lead New Jersey, has served as a trustee on its board since 2017, and was elected Board Chair in 2021. His dedication to both his profession and his community underscores his exceptional role as a legal practitioner and leader.
Matters
- Successfully represented a prospective government contractor in challenging the award of a public contract to a competitor. Although the agency was only obligated to re-open bidding for the contract, the strength of the firm's challenge prompted the agency to not only rescind the award to the competitor but also award the contract to our client.
- Successfully represented a municipal law enforcement agency in obtaining dismissal of an Open Public Records Act matter at the trial court.
- Successfully represented a public college in obtaining summary judgment dismissing Open Public Meetings Act claims in a publicly-scrutinized case.
- Successfully represented the local branch of an international non-profit in an administrative proceeding by the state Division of Civil Rights.
- Represented and advised various public and non-profit clients in matters related to corporate governance, internal investigations, compliance with the Nonprofit Corporation Act, and intra-municipal disputes under the Faulkner Act.
- Assisted in procuring successful outcomes for various health care providers in "bet-the-company" disputes with insurers regarding billing practices.
Specializations
Complex Commercial Litigation, Construction Law & Litigation, Class Action Defense, Election Law & Litigation, Nonprofits, Trade Associations & Tax-Exempt Organizations, Procurement Law, Government Contracts & Bid Protest Litigation, Criminal Defense, Investigations & Compliance
Industries
Construction & Engineering, Auto Dealers & Manufacturers, Healthcare, Hospitals & Medical Professionals, Non-Profits, Professional Services
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
- Successfully represented a prospective government contractor in challenging the award of a public contract to a competitor. Although the agency was only obligated to re-open bidding for the contract, the strength of the firm's challenge prompted the agency to not only rescind the award to the competitor but also award the contract to our client.
- Successfully represented a municipal law enforcement agency in obtaining dismissal of an Open Public Records Act matter at the trial court.
- Successfully represented a public college in obtaining summary judgment dismissing Open Public Meetings Act claims in a publicly-scrutinized case.
- Successfully represented the local branch of an international non-profit in an administrative proceeding by the state Division of Civil Rights.
- Represented and advised various public and non-profit clients in matters related to corporate governance, internal investigations, compliance with the Nonprofit Corporation Act, and intra-municipal disputes under the Faulkner Act.
- Assisted in procuring successful outcomes for various health care providers in "bet-the-company" disputes with insurers regarding billing practices.
