Chuck Baker

Chuck Baker-Interim General Counsel

Charles J. "Chuck" Baker III serves as general counsel at the College of Charleston. He began this position in 2023. In his role, Baker provides legal advice to the College's senior administration, Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and other personnel that act on behalf of the College.

Baker is a trial lawyer with more than 35 years of experience representing clients across a diverse range of professions, businesses and industries. In advising clients and advocating their positions, he strives to embody core values of integrity, devotion to clients and respect for the individual. He has extensive litigation and dispute-resolution experience in the following areas: real estate and zoning, the construction industry, professional liability and mass media. He has argued appeals before the South Carolina Supreme Court and the South Carolina Court of Appeals.

Baker is active in the Charleston community, having served as president of the College of Charleston Alumni Association, a member of the College of Charleston's Board of Trustees and a member of the Charleston County Board of Zoning Appeals.

Baker received his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law. He graduated magna cum laude from the College of Charleston with a B.A. in biology.

Education

1984: J.D., University of South Carolina School of Law

  • The South Carolina Law Review
  • Order of Wig and Robe
  • The Order of the Coif

1980: B.A., Biology

Career Highlights

2011-2023: Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

1999-2011: Buist Moore Smythe McGee P.A.

1986-1999: Holmes & Thomson, LLP

1984-1986: Law Clerk, The Honorable C. Weston Houck, United States District Judge

Honors and Achievements

2018-2022: College of Charleston Board of Trustees

2016: College of Charleston Alumni Award of Honor

2012-2014: College of Charleston Alumni Association President

1995-1996: College of Charleston Cougar Club President