North Carolina Judicial Branch, Governor Cooper Announces Three Judicial Appointments

Walter was born and raised in High Point, where he currently resides with his wife and two children. He graduated from High Point Central High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Asheville. He graduated with a law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law. 

Walter worked as an assistant district attorney in Guilford County and as a solo practitioner at Baker Law Offices.

Walter W. “Trip” Baker is currently the District Court Judge in Judicial District 18, serving Guilford County. He was appointed in 2023 and is serving his first term. 

Candidate website

Believes legal experience is crucial, having gained extensive knowledge in civil litigation and criminal defense. Plans to continue studying court rules, managing deadlines, and maintaining attention to detail at Baker Law Offices.

Believes his diverse legal experience as a civil plaintiff, civil defense attorney, prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney provides a unique perspective as a judge.

Believes legal experience includes representing the injured, defending small businesses, prosecuting misdemeanors and felonies, and defending the accused. Said, "I have been in front of all sorts of judges and personalities."

Believes legal experience is crucial, citing his ten years as an assistant district attorney with the Guilford County District Attorney's office.

Believes "experience is even more important now" for a district court judge.

Believes all people, regardless of their financial status, deserve a fair hearing and the right to be heard.

Believes legal experience and education are crucial for effective judicial service. Said, "These appointees bring years of knowledge and experience to the bench."

Believes legal experience has significantly shaped his judicial perspective.

- Believes his diverse legal experience as a civil plaintiff, civil defense attorney, prosecutor, and criminal defense attorney provides a unique perspective as a judge.
- Believes "experience is even more important now" for a district court judge.
- Believes all people, regardless of their financial status, deserve a fair hearing and the right to be heard.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Walter W. (Trip) Baker III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Believes it is crucial for everyone to feel heard and receive justice in a "comfortable, well-managed experience."

- Believes it is crucial for everyone to feel heard and receive justice in a "comfortable, well-managed experience."

Judicial Administration

The candidate's website says, "Being a judge isn’t just a job, it’s a duty of the highest calling."

- The candidate's website says, "Being a judge isn’t just a job, it’s a duty of the highest calling."

Judicial Philosophy

Believes serving the community is a privilege and seeks continued support to remain District Court Judge.

- Believes serving the community is a privilege and seeks continued support to remain District Court Judge.

Community Involvement

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Walter W. (Trip) Baker III

Believes legal experience is crucial, noting, "Before I became a judge, my career could be sorted in two halves, the first being in private practice."

Believes volunteers are "an invaluable part" of community involvement. Encourages joining Team Baker to "make a difference in our beloved community."

Believes in supporting fairness and commitment to the Guilford County community through volunteer work, community service, and local organizations.

Walter W. (Trip) Baker III was born and raised in High Point, where he currently resides with his wife and two children. He is an alumnus of High Point Central High School, graduating in 1995, and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from UNC-Asheville in 1999. He completed his law education at Wake Forest University School of Law, graduating in 2003.

As of July 8, 2024, Walter W. (Trip) Baker III’s website did not contain information on this issue.

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- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 