Paul Baker

Paul Baker is the Managing Director and founder of Meridian Lawyers, a prominent legal service provider that has grown significantly under his leadership since its inception in 2004. With over 30 years of experience in insurance and commercial law, Paul is esteemed for his legal expertise, strategic insights, and comprehensive industry knowledge. He has successfully expanded Meridian from a small firm into a thriving business with six offices and over 200 employees. In his role as the principal legal adviser to Guild Insurance Limited since the 1980s, Paul has demonstrated a vast breadth of experience in handling professional indemnity claims, defamation, directors and officers matters, general liability policy issues, drafting policy wordings, and policy interpretation. His extensive in-house insurance background allows him to deliver informed legal advice and deep industry insights to his diverse clientele, including both local and international insurers. Paul is recognised as an exceptional negotiator and communicator, earning accolades from the industry and peers alike. His expertise has been acknowledged in the peer-review guide, Best Lawyers Australia, particularly in Health and Aged Care Law, Insurance Law, Medical Negligence, and Professional Malpractice Litigation, as well as in Doyle’s Guide. He has also been a finalist for Managing Partner of the Year at the annual Lawyers’ Weekly Australian Law Awards in 2016 and 2017. Beyond his work at Meridian, Paul serves as Chair of EML, where he has contributed to making significant improvements in work health and safety across Australia. He is also involved in the hospitality industry insurance sector and has been a valued member of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel. Paul's commitment to professional excellence is complemented by his completion of the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors and further education in strategic leadership and change management at the London School of Business and Finance.