From Loss to Purpose: Cory Baker’s Law School Journey Defined by Growth

For Cory Baker, graduating this spring represents more than earning a law degree. It represents perseverance through loss, personal growth, and honoring loved ones who helped shape his journey.

Baker graduated with a Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. It follows a journey that took him from his home in Belgrade, Montana, to Benton, Arkansas.

“After moving to Arkansas, I quickly grew to appreciate the state’s culture and Southern hospitality, making the decision to stay after graduation an easy one,” Baker said.

Before attending Bowen, he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in English from the University of Minnesota Crookston. His interest in law developed through intellectual curiosity and a desire to help others. During his undergraduate studies, he became increasingly interested in criminal justice reform through coursework focused on mass incarceration, resocialization, and over-deterrence in nonviolent offenses.

“I wanted to challenge myself intellectually and pursue a career where I could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” he said, explaining that law school was a good fit. As a first-generation law student, Baker said attending law school felt both unfamiliar and exciting. “I wanted to build something new for myself and my family while pursuing a career centered on service, advocacy, and personal growth,” he said.

Choosing to attend law school in Arkansas came after a period of profound loss. Baker wanted a fresh start after losing his grandmother, aunt, and mother within three months in 2021. While his 101-year-old grandmother had lived a long life, the deaths of his aunt and mother were unexpected. All three knew he planned to attend law school.

“My mother was especially proud that I was pursuing law school and potentially becoming the first lawyer in our family,” he said. “She always joked that I enjoyed arguing with people and was meant to become an attorney.”

Baker said family loss changed his outlook and strengthened his resolve to study law.

“Completing law school became important not only for me, but also for my mother, who had always been one of my biggest supporters,” he said.

Baker attended Bowen full-time while focusing on clerkships, externships, and activities on and off campus. One of his most meaningful experiences was serving on Bowen’s National Mock Trial Team.

“Participating in Mock Trial pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me develop practical litigation skills,” he said. 

Baker served as the legal commentary editor for the Arkansas Journal of Social Change and Public Service. In that role, he worked with student writers while editing and publishing legal commentary pieces on a wide range of legal issues and perspectives.

In addition, Baker worked as a Rule XV clerk for the Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office, an experience that reinforced his commitment to public service.

“Working closely with indigent clients gave me a valuable perspective on client-centered advocacy, while my courtroom experience exposed me to the broader responsibilities attorneys and judges carry within the justice system,” he said.

With law school complete, Baker is now preparing for the bar exam.

“As a nontraditional law student who returned to college after time away from school, graduating from law school is something I am deeply proud of,” he said.

Baker believes the experiences and hardships he has faced will continue to shape the way he approaches the legal profession.

“I believe those experiences will help me become a more empathetic attorney and better relate to clients who are facing hardships in their own lives,” he said, adding that he carried a picture of his mother during graduation as a reminder of her support and encouragement.

Baker said having his father and brother attend graduation meant a great deal to him. He also credited Professor Pat Harris, Professor Terrance Cain, attorney Lloyd Warford, and the attorneys and staff at the Pulaski County Public Defender’s Office for helping shape his law school experience.

“Each of them challenged me in different ways, encouraged my professional growth, and provided practical guidance that extended beyond the classroom,” he said.

Looking ahead, Baker encourages future law students to remain open to unexpected opportunities and challenges.

“Sometimes the areas that push you outside of your comfort zone end up being the most rewarding,” he said. “When I started law school, I thought I wanted to practice transactional and business law. Over time, I realized that I was much more drawn to courtroom advocacy and litigation.”