Derek A. Baker, Family Law Attorney in Mount Vernon, Illinois
Over 13 years of legal practice · focused on Family Law, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice
PartneratHarvey & Baker, P.C.
Mount Vernon, IL
Practicing family law in Mount Vernon since 2013.
- 13+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Derek A. Baker?
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Quick answer
Derek A. Baker is a partner based in Mount Vernon, IL. The practice focuses on Family Law, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Derek has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harvey & Baker, P.C..
- Based in
- Mount Vernon, IL
- Experience
- over 13 years
- Known for
- Family Law · Litigation · Medical Malpractice
- Handles Family Law, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice matters from Mount Vernon, IL.
- Over 13 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Derek A. Baker: Derek A. Baker is a partner based in Mount Vernon, IL. The practice focuses on Family Law, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Derek has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harvey & Baker, P.C..
Areas of practice
Legal matters Derek takes on
Derek concentrates on family law, litigation, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Derek handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Family Law
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Litigation
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Family Law cases in Mount Vernon, Illinois
Derek takes family law matters in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Mount Vernon, Illinois
Derek takes litigation matters in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Mount Vernon, Illinois
Derek takes medical malpractice matters in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Mount Vernon, Illinois
Derek takes personal injury matters in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Derek agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Derek A. Baker — family law lawyer in Mount Vernon
Derek A. Baker is a partner based in Mount Vernon, IL. The practice focuses on Family Law, Litigation, and Medical Malpractice. Derek has over 13 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Harvey & Baker, P.C..
Derek Baker grew up in Bourbonnais Illinois, having spent his childhood near Minneapolis Minnesota. He began his legal practice working in the western suburbs of Chicago for a law firm that practiced exclusively family law. He represented clients in divorce, property division, child custody and visitation, adoption, support, modification, and post decree relief matters.As Derek's interest in litigation grew, he began working with a general practitioner near Chicago focusing on family, personal injury, criminal, bankruptcy and real estate matters. He regularly would appear in court, advocating on behalf of clients in contested and uncontested family, criminal, and traffic matters.While at St. Louis University School of Law, he worked for over one and a half years at a high volume civil litigation law firm in downtown St. Louis, which represented clients in both Missouri and southern Illinois. He was responsible for handling hundreds of personal injury cases. He has experience advocating on behalf of plaintiffs in automobile collisions, medical malpractice, slip and fall, and dog bite matters. Furthermore, while at St. Louis University Law School he participated in the law clinic where he appeared in court representing indigent clients in landlord/tenant disputes and contesting fines and tickets for ordinance violations.Derek is an active member Mount Vernon's Rotary Club. In his free time he enjoys golfing, the outdoors, and attending sporting events.Read less.
How Derek handles family law matters
Derek Baker grew up in Bourbonnais Illinois, having spent his childhood near Minneapolis Minnesota. He began his legal practice working in the western suburbs of Chicago for a law firm that practiced exclusively family law. He represented clients in divorce, property division, child custody and visitation, adoption, support, modification, and post decree relief matters.As Derek's interest in…
Who Derek represents
Derek reviews new inquiries case-by-case for family law, litigation, and medical malpractice matters in Mount Vernon and the surrounding Illinois area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
St. Louis University School of Law
J.D. · 2013
Northern Illinois University B.S. cum laude
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Jurisdictions
Derek's state bar admissions
Illinois
2013 · ACTIVE
Derek studied at J.D. in St. Louis University School of Law and — in Northern Illinois University B.S. cum laude.
Law school and academic background
Derek completed J.D. in St. Louis University School of Law and — in Northern Illinois University B.S. cum laude. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Derek runs in Illinois is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Derek A. Baker's office in Mount Vernon
Derek's primary office is at 2029 Broadway, Mount Vernon, IL, 62864. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Derek A. Baker
Derek has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Derek A. Baker — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new family law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Derek usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Derek charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Derek will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a family law attorney in Mount Vernon, Illinois
A short list to run through before you commit: How many family law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Derek
Derek discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in family law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every family law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Derek confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Derek's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many family law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Derek A. Baker
How much does it cost to hire Derek for a family law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Derek walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Derek offer a free consultation?
Derek charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Derek's office. Some family law attorneys offer free consults — check Derek's current terms during booking.
How long do family law cases in Illinois typically take?
Simple family law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Derek gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Derek take my case if I'm outside Mount Vernon?
Derek is licensed in Illinois. Matters governed by Illinois law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Derek will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Derek?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Derek will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Derek accepting new family law clients right now?
Derek's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Family Law attorneys serving Mount Vernon, Chicago and Springfield in Illinois
Derek handles family law matters throughout Illinois. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified family law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated family law attorneys in Illinois
If Derek's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these family law attorneys in Mount Vernon handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
