He was special counsel to United States Senators Stephen Benton Elkins and Henry Gassaway Davis, both of West Virginia.

He was also prosecuting attorney of Randolph County, West Virginia from 1900 to 1912.

[2] Baker received a recess appointment from President Warren G. Harding on April 4, 1921, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia vacated by Judge Alston G. Dayton.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on May 3, 1921, and received his commission the same day.

His service terminated on June 4, 1954, due to his death in Beverly.