Baker appointed as Broome County public defender

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — Broome County Executive Jason Garnar announced he has appointed Michael Baker as Broome County public defender.

Baker has been serving as acting public defender since Jay Wilber retired at the end of the March. Baker has worked in the Broome County Public Defender’s Office since 2005. He previously served as the chief assistant public defender.

Garnar selected Baker from a list of candidates provided by the Broome County Public Defender Merit Selection Committee, which conducted the candidate search and interview process.

 “The Merit Selection Committee reviewed applications [from] several highly qualified applicants. Mike was the top selection by the committee, his peers. He is a hard worker and dedicated to working for all people of Broome County, especially those in distress,” Garnar said in a news release.

The Broome County Legislature must approve the appointment and will take up the measure this month, per the release. The public defender is appointed for a term of five years.

“I look forward to continuing to work for the people of Broome County and follow in our office’s history of providing vigorous representation as well as addressing our ongoing social problems including substance abuse addiction and untreated mental health issues,” Baker said.

A graduate of Hamilton College and Albany Law School, Baker is currently VP of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a member of both the New York State Defender’s Association and National Association of Public Defenders.

Baker has taught at Broome Community College and at the EXCEL Program through Binghamton University. He is also a former president of the Broome County Bar Association.

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Photo credit: Broome County government