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thomas-w-baker

Thomas W. Baker

Thomas Baker is a trial lawyer focusing on product liability litigation, commercial disputes, and maritime litigation.

Tom has more than 20 years of experience defending manufacturers and suppliers of a wide range of products, including elevators, escalators, fall protection equipment, electrical controls, air conditioners, infrared heaters, compressors, electric blankets, industrial hoses, voltage meters, hydraulic motors and pumps, and medical devices. He also represents corporations in complex commercial disputes and shareholder litigation, defends energy production companies in land use disputes, and represents shipping carriers in maritime tort litigation. In addition to handling all facets of litigation, Tom also counsels manufacturers on product liability prevention and risk mitigation.

Tom grew up in Cleveland, where he lives with his wife and three children. Prior to law school, Tom worked for the American Red Cross in community relations and disaster response communications. He also played drums in a Cleveland rock band called “Gasoline.”

Education
Cleveland State University College of Law (J.D., 1998); Moot Court Board of Governors, Vice Chair; Cleveland State Law Review, Editor
Baldwin-Wallace College (B.A., 1992); Omicron Delta Epsilon
State Admissions
Ohio, 1999
Pennsylvania, 2015
Federal Admissions
United States Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
United States District Court, Central District of Illinois
United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio
Service Areas
Mass Tort & Product Liability
Business Litigation
Maritime
Oil & Gas
Fire Litigation
Food, Cosmetics & Dietary Supplements
Industries Represented
Consumer Products
Fabricated Metal Products
Machinery Manufacturing
Marine
Oil & Gas
Transportation Equipment
Water
  • Won summary judgment on behalf of elevator manufacturer in product liability cases throughout Ohio (2016, 2013, 2010, 2006, 2005 and 2004)
  • Won summary judgment in maritime Jones Act personal injury case in United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio (2007)
  • Won a defense verdict in maritime Jones Act personal injury case in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan (2007)
  • Won a defense verdict in product liability case on behalf of elevator manufacturer (Ohio, 2006)
  • Obtained summary judgment in commercial dispute on behalf of manufacturer in United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio (2006)

Recent Speaking Engagements

  • “Great Lakes Bi-National Trade Dispute – The Looming Ballast Water Treatment Battle,” Maritime Law Association, New York, New York (April 2016)
  • Great Lakes Shipping Ballast Water Regulation Update,” Maritime Law Association, New York, New York (April 2015)
  • “Lease Disputes and Royalty Litigation,” presented at “Utica Shale: Issues in Law, Practice and Policy,” hosted by Cleveland-Marshall College of Law (September 2012)
  • The Best Lawyers in America® (2018–2024)
  • Maritime Law Association
    • Great Lakes Subcommittee, Chair
  • Lakewood Hospital Foundation, Secretary
  • Cleveland Metropolitan School District Mock Trial Competitions, Coach
  • Lakewood Public Library Foundation, Treasurer
  • Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, 3Rs Volunteer
  • Baldwin-Wallace College Annual Fund
  • Cleveland-Marshall College of Law Alumni Association, Life Member
  • Bridge Builders, Leadership Center of Cleveland, Class of 2008