[MIDLAND, TEXAS, September 19, 2019] Mary Baker, of Midland, Texas announced her candidacy for the 142nd Judicial District Court today, a trial court of general jurisdiction. The seat will be open upon the retirement of Judge George D. “Jody” Gilles at the end of his term.
Mary Baker, an honors graduate of the Texas Tech School of Law, has lived in Midland with her family since 2007. Her husband, Joseph Baker, also a lawyer, is a partner in civil litigation at the Cotton Bledsoe law firm. They have two children.
Ms. Baker’s entire legal career has centered in Midland. She began as a briefing attorney for federal Judge Robert Junell, where she spent four years preparing jury charges and assisted in drafting civil and criminal orders for the busy trial court. Afterwards, she worked for seven years at what is now the Kelly Hart law firm (formerly the Midland office of Hinkle Hensley Shanor & Martin), where she was an oil and gas and business litigation partner for five years. While at Kelly Hart, Ms. Baker also had the opportunity to learn oil and gas title law from a noted title attorney in the industry.
In 2018, Ms. Baker transitioned her civil litigation practice to the long-time Midland firm of Lynch Chappell & Alsup, where she has worked on complex oil and gas, title, and business disputes with Harper Estes, Randy Rouse, Blue Hyatt, Richard Booth, and other firm attorneys. She has enjoyed a mixed litigation practice there, advising large corporations, small businesses, and individuals.
Ms. Baker is certified as a mediator in alternative dispute resolution. She is a member of the Texas Bar Foundation, where she is a Life Fellow, the Texas Association of Defense Counsel, the American Bar Association, and she was named a 2018 and 2019 Rising Star in Energy Law by Texas Super Lawyers. She completes her pro bono hours for legal service by performing adoptions for children at High Sky Children’s Ranch, which she has done for the past five years.
Ms. Baker has a long resume of community commitment, including having chaired fundraisers SeptemberFest 2018 and 2019 for the Museum of the Southwest, where she has served on the Board of Trustees for the past three years. Ms. Baker is also Past President of the United Way of Midland Board of Trustees and is presently serving the community on the boards of Midland Community Theatre, St. Ann’s School, and the League of Women Voters. She is a parishioner at St. Ann’s Church and is a member of the Midland County Republican Women’s Club. A Junior League of Midland Sustaining Member, Baker was named a 2016 Midland “Twenty Under 40” by the Midland Reporter-Telegram, and she was named a 2018 Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Woman of Distinction.
When asked why she is seeking the office, Ms. Baker points to a real need for civil litigators in the Midland bench. “Judge Gilles brought his civil expertise to the bench for over twenty-five years; I seek to continue his tradition of excellent legal analysis and community service,” she said. “This particular court has a heavier civil docket than others, and I believe my experience, both in civil and criminal, federal and state law will be a real benefit in handling Midland’s oil and gas and civil cases.”
Ms. Baker says she feels honored to have the opportunity to run for this court. “Beyond my legal experience, I believe I have demonstrated the fair mental and personal temperament necessary for such an important position. District Court cases determine vital rights and responsibilities for the individuals and companies involved. I am excited to be able to assist the public in reaching justice.”
