ABOUT JOSHUA E. BAKER

One of Josh’s claims to whimsical fame is being remembered at Hillsdale College as the the streakiest 3-point shooter in intramural basketball history. Josh loved basketball, even though he did not have the size and speed to dominate. Yet, he learned to succeed by becoming a specialist, to put points on the board when his team badly needed a boost. Today Josh’s focus isn’t on draining 20-footers. But he remains a specialist, exclusively in the practice of eminent domain law and exclusively for private property owners. He has two specialties now: ensuring that his clients and all Virginians — through his efforts at reform of condemnation laws — receive just compensation when their property is taken. At home, he and his wife enjoy cooking together and are focused on raising their young daughter, which has left far less time for cooking. Of special interest is the work of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Education:

  • Hillsdale College Hillsdale, Michigan (B.A., 2001)
  • College of William and Mary Marshall-Wythe School of Law (J.D., 2006)

Practice Areas:

Attorney and President, The Law Firm of Waldo & Lyle
Josh’s practice is limited to representing property owners in eminent domain proceedings and defending private property rights throughout Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Professional Activities:

  • Chairman, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, 2016-PresentPresenter, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, Common Areas in Subdivisions: A Study in Highest and Best Use (2017)
  • Presenter, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, Rare, Unique and Unusual Easement:  What Rights Can Be Taken?  (2016)
  • Virginia Super Lawyers, Rising Star, 2012-2015
  • Presenter, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, Property Rights: Are Less Than Fee Interests Worth Anything in Condemnation? (2015)
  • Presenter, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, Unity of Lands: Do I Have One Parcel? (2014)
  • Presenter, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, Latest Trends in Mediation: New Strategies to Resolve Disputes (2013)
  • Presenter, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, Recovering Compensable Costs: What Your Colleagues Do Not Know (2012)
  • Member, Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference Journal Advisory Board, 2013-Present
  • Co-Author (with Joseph T. Waldo), Damages from Transmission Corridors and Transmission Lines, The Practical Real Estate Lawyer, January 2012
  • Presenter, CLE International Virginia Eminent Domain Seminar, Housing Authority Projects: New Laws, New Rules, Old Plans (2011)
  • Author, Virginia’s Property Owners Are Not Safe From Kelo-Styled Economic Takings, The Fee Simple, Vol. XXX, No. 2, May 2010
  • Author, Note “Quieting the Clang: Hathcock as a Model of the State-Based Protection of Property Which Kelo Demands,” Volume 14 William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal Issue 1 (2006) (Available at 14 Wm. & Mary Bill Rts. J. 351).
  • Executive Articles Editor, William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal Volume 14

Professional Memberships:

  • Virginia Member, Owners Counsel of America
  • Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association, 2007-present
    • Chair, Young Lawyers Section, 2011-2012
    • Treasurer, Young Lawyers Section, 2010-2011
  • The Federalist Society
  • Virginia State Bar

Civic Involvement:

  • Hillsdale College President’s Club Member
  • Hillsdale College Admissions Assistance Program, Volunteer
  • Alzheimer Association, Alois Society Member

NORFOLK OFFICE

 

301 W Freemason St, Norfolk, VA 23510 | PHONE: (757) 622-5812