After 25 years of dedicated service to the Sunshine Coast community, respected local lawyer Chris Baker will retire at the end of February, marking the conclusion of his day-to-day legal practice and a significant milestone for the firm he founded.
Mr Baker established Bakers Lawyers with a vision to provide practical, trusted legal advice while building long-standing client relationships. Over the past quarter-century, the firm has grown into a well-regarded Sunshine Coast practice, recognised for its professionalism, integrity and strong community connections.
A highlight of his career has been “meeting and working with so many wonderful people over the years”.
“Being able to assist people wherever we could has been repaid over the years with many returning clients and referrals of their friends.”
Throughout his career, Mr Baker has guided individuals, families, and businesses through important legal milestones, earning the trust and respect of clients and colleagues. Within the firm, he has also been a valued mentor, fostering a collaborative and supportive workplace culture.
Beyond his legal career, Mr Baker has been deeply involved in the local community. He was a charter president and long-term member of the Rotary Club of Alexandra Headland and continues to contribute through the Bli Bli Community Association. He is also the president of the Sunshine Coast Cricket Association, reflecting his lifelong passion for cricket and his commitment to the sport’s development across the region.
In a quarter century of practice, Mr Baker has seen the profession undergo many changes.
“There have been many changes in the 25 years with the biggest of course being technology and how we do business,” he said.
“Twenty-five years ago it was all post, faxing and face-to-face interactions, and now its emails and Zoom or Teams and the ability to work remotely.
“The other big change is in the mix of male-to-female lawyers. Twenty-five years ago there was agn overwhelming bias in favour of men owning and operating law firms and this has shifted significantly the other way in favour of females.”
While retiring from day-to-day legal practice, Mr Baker will remain connected to the firm under its new name, Baker Jorgensen Lawyers. As a consultant he will provide guidance and insight as required and ensure continuity for clients.
An integral part of the firm’s success over the past decade has been Lucy Jorgensen, co-director of the practice. Ms Jorgensen has played a key role in the firm’s growth and strategic direction.
The rebrand reflects the firm’s evolution while maintaining continuity, ensuring clients continue to receive the same high standard of legal service that has defined the practice for 25 years.
Mr Baker’s retirement will allow him to spend more time with his family and further dedicate himself to cricket and community involvement. While stepping back from daily practice, his contribution to the Sunshine Coast legal and community landscape leaves a lasting legacy.
“Throughout my working life I always been involved in things outside of work,” Mr Baker said.
“To some extent that will continue as I will have more time now. We have recently moved house to the hinterland and so to be able to spend more time in the garden and with my wife, who also retired as a teacher at the end of last year, is exciting.
“My son has also started a landscaping business and so he is already messaging me saying: ‘Dad hurry up and finish so you can help me’.”
Baker Jorgensen Lawyers will continue to serve the Sunshine Coast, building on the strong foundations established over the past 25 years.
