KaDeidra S. E. Baker-Pettis came to the law with a clear purpose: to stand beside people when they need someone in their corner the most. Whether representing a juvenile facing the court system for the first time or someone accused of a crime with serious life consequences, she shows up prepared and fully invested in the people she serves.
Prior to joining the firm, Attorney Baker-Pettis served as an Assistant Public Defender at the Gaston County Public Defender’s Office, where she represented adults and juveniles in district court, superior court, and juvenile court. She handled motions practice, conducted hearings, and maintained close communication with clients throughout their cases. Before working as a Gaston County Public Defender, Ms. Baker-Pettis worked as a Generalist and Domestic Violence Staff Attorney at Pisgah Legal Services in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, representing survivors of domestic violence in custody, divorce, and Domestic Violence Protective Order proceedings. She also coordinated the firm's internship program, working directly with law students and helping guide them through the demands of public interest legal work.
Attorney Baker-Pettis earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from North Carolina Central University School of Law, where she received a Certificate in Civil Rights & Constitutional Law. She served as a Senior Editor on the Science and Intellectual Property Law Review and published a law review article on Indigenous appropriation and intellectual property protections. She was honored with the Office of Engagement Student Service Impact Award and a North Carolina Bar Association Pro Bono Certificate of Recognition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Wake Forest University, with minors in American Ethnic Studies and Women and Gender Studies and was recognized with the Department of Sociology Community Engagement Award.
Attorney Baker-Pettis is an active member of the Gaston County Bar Association and serves in a leadership role with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Sigma Omega Chapter, where she has been the Connections and Social Action Chairperson and previously served as Chapter Secretary.
