Jessa M. Baker
Senior Consultant 
(312) 466-5649 – office
(312) 813-3993 – mobile
jbaker@lawvisiongroup.com 

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Ms. Baker is a Senior Consultant with LawVision Group LLC, and a member of LawVision’s strategy practice. Prior to joining LawVision Group at its start-up, Ms. Baker was a member of the Law Firm Strategy and Structure Practice Group of Hildebrandt Baker Robbins. She advises law firms on strategy development, mergers, management and governance, talent structure design, associate and partner compensation systems, partnership issues and financial matters. In addition, Ms. Baker collaborates with law firms on client service strategies, business development, client retention and process improvement initiatives. She is based in the Chicago office.

Prior to joining Hildebrandt Baker Robbins, Ms. Baker was a Managing Director with Kelly Law Registry, providing sustainable value to law firms and corporate legal departments through a comprehensive spectrum of flexible human capital, talent and outsourcing solutions. She has also held positions with Legal Research Center, Merrill Corporation and boutique law firms in England, California, Illinois and Washington, DC.

In addition to her legal background, Ms. Baker developed a life-skills program at Chicago Youth Centers for underserved students and worked with children facing terminal illnesses in the United States and Ireland with Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Association.

Strategy Development 

• Counsels law firms on market dynamics, including competitor capabilities and positioning.

• Works with firms and practices to develop and focus their business strategies in light of their current market position and opportunity structure.

• Works with law firms and practice groups to define and implement strategic change objectives.

Management and Governance 

• Assists law firms in aligning management and governance structures to enhance the effectiveness of business operations.

• Helps law firms assess and enhance the quality of their management team to improve the prospects of long term success.

Talent Strategy and Compensation 

• Helps law firms accentuate their practice by aligning talent structures with strategic objectives.

• Assists firms with strengthening and enhancing their talent acquisition and development systems to better achieve integration of their talent strategies with overall firm strategy.

• Assesses and refines compensation systems to enhance competitiveness and leads talent structure design and implementation.

Mergers and Acquisitions 

• Identifies and analyzes merger opportunities consistent with strategic objectives, including due diligence and implementation of integration plans.

• Assists firms with the due diligence and negotiation of potential firm combinations.

Client Development and Growth

• Counsels law firms on business development, growth strategies, key client retention, process improvement initiatives and client service strategies.

Education

• Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, MBA

• University of Wisconsin Law School, JD

• Vanderbilt University, BS, magna cum laude

Professional Associations

• Chicago Youth Centers Metropolitan Association Board of Directors

• Northwestern Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board

• Illinois Eye-Bank Ambassadors for Vision Council

• Chicago Bar Association

• Illinois State Bar Association.
  

• What Will You “Feed” in 2012?, Capital Connection, January 2012