Lance A. Baker

Of counsel

Lance, a Tennessee native, brings an impressive breadth of trial experience and leadership. For 16 years, Lance served as the City Attorney for Clarksville, TN, guiding a rapidly growing city of nearly 190,000 residents and 1,500 employees. His role was pivotal in providing strategic legal counsel to multiple Mayors, City Council members, and various city departments, including major public utilities and sectors like building codes, streets, and regional planning. From defending the city in hundreds of lawsuits to advising on complex infrastructure deals, Lance has proven to be a versatile and reliable legal expert. He played a critical role in negotiating multi-billion-dollar utility infrastructure projects with global giants like Hemlock Semiconductor, LG, Hankook, and Google.

Before his municipal role, Lance honed his trial skills during a decade-long tenure as an Assistant District Attorney, handling tens of thousands of criminal cases. He also clerked for a federal U.S. District Judge in Nashville after earning his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law, where he garnered accolades for legal writing, appellate practice, and academic excellence. His academic journey began at Rhodes College, where he was a running back on two NCAA Division III conference championship football teams.

Beyond the courtroom, Lance’s dedication to service extends to his 30-year military career in the U.S. Army Reserves. As a former Lieutenant Colonel, he served with distinction during three combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, earning two Bronze Stars and other commendations while holding leadership positions with the 10th Mountain, 101st, and 82nd Airborne Divisions.

Lance's interests outside of work are equally dynamic. An avid historian and passionate college football fan (especially when it comes to the Tennessee Vols), he enjoys horseback riding, skiing, tennis, and international travel. His adventurous spirit recently led him to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak. When he's not exploring the world, you'll find him working on his hobby farm, where he finds joy in physical labor and the peace of the outdoors.

Lance’s servant leadership, devotion to community, and legal acumen make him a perfect fit for Meridian Law, and we’re excited to see him use his wealth of experience to benefit our clients.