Vernon G. Baker, II, vice president and general counsel of ArvinMeritor, Inc., has a relentless commitment to the legal profession, diversity, and mentorship.
With more than 25 years of experience in the practice of law, Baker has developed a broad perspective of the profession. He has maintained a steadfast dedication to giving back to his community and guiding the careers of those who follow him.
Within his department, Baker encourages staff to utilize minority-owned law firms or people-of-color in majority-owned firms, and communicates the company’s commitment to diversity to outside counsel vying for the department’s business.
Baker’s legal track record is also inspiring. In 1999, just three months after joining the legal team of Meritor Automotive, Inc. as general counsel, he was charged with managing the multibillion-dollar merger of Meritor and Arvin Industries, Inc. A testament to Baker’s leadership and expert legal skills, the merger was an overwhelming success.
Today, Baker serves as vice president and general counsel of ArvinMeritor, Inc., a seven billion dollar global supplier of a broad range of integrated systems, modules and components for light vehicle, commercial truck, trailer and specialty original equipment manufacturers.
In this position, he has overall legal responsibility for all of ArvinMeritor’s global operations and its subsidiaries. In addition, Baker directs all legal activities in the corporation, including corporation governance, acquisitions and divestitures, litigation, business standards compliance, regulatory compliance, and intellectual property.
Before joining Meritor, Baker spent 17 years at Hoechst Celanse Corporation, and prior to that he was in-house counsel at Scott Paper Company. His background also includes a stint as an associate with the law firm of Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a juris doctorate from American University, Washington College of Law.
Baker is also a recognized mentor who gives freely of his time and resources to further the career development needs of young minority lawyers. The Charting Your Own Course Foundation, where he has played an instrumental role, has also recognized him for his dedication and commitment.
The Trailblazer Award honors outstanding minority in-house counsel who stand as role models in the profession and who have made significant efforts to advance diversity. MCCA® extends its congratulations and appreciation to Vernon Baker for his hard work.
From the November/December 2003 issue of Diversity & The Bar®