The Foundation to Achieve His Goals: For Nicholas Baker ’27, William & Mary Law is the Key
Researching where to study law, Utah native Nick Baker took a hard look at many schools, but realized William & Mary filled in all the boxes he was looking for.
Proximity to Washington, D.C.? Check.
Impressive clerkship placement rate? Check.
Picturesque setting of Williamsburg? Check.
“Being near the U.S. capital offers unparalleled access to a wide range of legal opportunities and networking possibilities in the heart of the nation’s legal and policy-making hub,” Baker says. “The school’s robust support system for students seeking judicial clerkships is alluring when considering my professional interests; and, finally, Williamsburg provides an ideal backdrop for focused legal studies.”
Baker himself was born and raised in Salt Lake City, where he developed a strong sense of community and a deep appreciation for civic engagement. As a high school senior, he interned with the Utah State Legislature, witnessing government in action and building a network that continues to support his career nearly a decade later.
After graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in political science and public policy, Baker’s passion for health policy led him to the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, where he earned a Master of Public Health. He focused on organ transplant policy, specifically researching the variation in the use of deceased donor organs following stroke and trauma events, culminating a four-year journey in organ transplant research.
“My time at Vanderbilt honed my analytical skills and solidified my decision to pursue law at William & Mary,” Baker says.
Baker admits that his previous education and work experience were not what he initially expected as a path to law school.
“It wasn’t until I began my graduate coursework in bioethics and Medicare law that I realized the intellectual questions I was drawn to were deeply rooted in the law,” he says. “I now see that these experiences, though not traditionally aligned with a direct route to law, have been pivotal in refining my skills and preparing me to be the best lawyer I can be, whether my clients’ matters involve healthcare or other areas of law.”
As he acclimates to the life of a 1L, Baker looks forward to augmenting his legal education with a number of strong extracurriculars, perhaps participating in the Transactional Law Team or Moot Court Team, aiming for a journal position, and finding ways to develop the health law community at William & Mary Law.
Outside the classroom, he is an avid cyclist who also enjoys traveling with his husband, fellow Utah native Tanner, and enjoying Colonial Williamsburg with their dog, Murphy.
“These activities help me stay grounded and connected to the things I love while navigating the demands of law school,” he says.
Knowing that William & Mary Law strives for a diversity of perspectives, Baker is more than confident he can add to the mix.
“I am grateful to bring a unique perspective to the classroom, shaped by my diverse experiences living in multiple states and countries, my identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and my background as a health law scholar,” Baker says. “I hope to contribute my insights on how legal frameworks can address complex health issues and advocate for equitable solutions.”
Although his ultimate goal is to pursue a career in academia, Baker is also interested in exploring opportunities in corporate law and within the federal government, particularly in areas related to health care mergers, transactions, private equity, and managed care.
"As you can see, there are many directions my career could take,” he says. “But I am confident that my William & Mary education will provide the foundation to achieve my goals.”
As a Citizen Lawyer in training, Baker says he is committed to utilizing his unique skill set with integrity, inclusivity, and a deep sense of responsibility to improve his community.
“I am most excited about the opportunity to delve deeply into the law and meaningfully apply it to my previous experiences,” he says. “Being surrounded by peers who share a passion for making a difference and engaging in rigorous intellectual challenges is incredibly motivating.”