Ryan Baker

Ryan Baker, at Bereskin & Parr LLP, holds the pivotal role of Director of Recruitment & Professional Development, steering the firm's strategy in nurturing and advancing its legal professionals. Ryan orchestrates the recruitment, training, and career progression for associates and law students across the firm's quartet of offices, ensuring a comprehensive approach to their professional journey. This includes overseeing performance evaluations, retention strategies, equitable workload distribution, and fostering mentorship connections.

Beyond these responsibilities, Ryan champions the firm’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, alongside initiating programs to support mental health and well-being among staff. This multi-faceted role demonstrates Ryan's integral contribution to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.

Before his tenure at Bereskin & Parr, Ryan enriched his career as a general counsel and human resources director within a national legal recruitment firm, gaining unique insights into the intricacies of legal talent acquisition and management. His earlier experiences also encompass a general corporate commercial practice at a national law firm, where he played a key role in student and associate development programs, showcasing his long-standing commitment to professional growth within the legal field.

Away from his professional endeavors, Ryan's interests are diverse, spanning from an avid appreciation for literature to engaging in tennis. His culinary adventures through trying new eateries, coupled with a keen consumption of a wide array of media, from critically acclaimed films to reality TV and podcasts, reflect a well-rounded personality. Ryan notably draws inspiration from cultural figures, embracing the ethos of staying cool under pressure—a principle that likely serves him well in his dynamic role.

Ryan's educational background is equally impressive, with a J.D. from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) from the University of King’s College, grounding his expertise in both legal and communicative disciplines. His admission to the Ontario Bar in 2015 further solidifies his legal acumen.

Ryan is also actively engaged with professional communities, holding memberships in the Law Society of Ontario, the National Association for Law Placement, and the Professional Development Consortium. These affiliations underscore his commitment to the evolving landscape of legal professional development and recruitment, positioning him as a key figure in shaping the future of legal practice at Bereskin & Parr and beyond.