Bobby Baker's practice focus is on providing strategic and regulatory advice to private companies and local governments, with an emphasis on energy, transportation and technology issues. In addition, Mr. Baker handles appellate and mediation matters. Mr. Baker was first elected to the Public Service Commission in 1992 and was the first Republican to win a statewide election for a Georgia constitutional office since Reconstruction. As Commissioner, Mr. Baker worked aggressively to develop competitive markets for utility and technology services, and to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses. He was elected to a third six-year term in November 2004, but did not seek re-election in 2010, deciding instead to return to private practice. Mr. Baker grew up in DeKalb County and attended DeKalb County public schools. He graduated from Oglethorpe University with honors and received his law degree from the University of Georgia. After law school, Mr. Baker joined the Southeastern Legal Foundation, a regional conservative public interest law firm and then practiced with a private law firm in Gwinnett County. Mr. Baker has been recognized on numerous occasions by both Georgia Trend Magazine and the Atlanta Business Chronicle as one of the city and state's most influential leaders. He has served on the board of directors for the Georgia Center for Advanced Telecommunications Technology (GCATT) and as Vice-Chairman of the Gwinnett County Planning Commission (1990-1994). He also is the recipient of the Talmage Award from Oglethorpe University in honor of his distinguished professional career in public service.