Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Publications
Awards
Websites
Miscellaneous
References
Timeline
Generic

Kevin L. Baker

SLC,UT

Summary

Senior attorney and general counsel with 26 years of in-house experience in multinational corporations. Expertise in regulatory compliance, environmental permitting, natural resources and energy law, and mergers and acquisitions. Managed multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, enhancing stakeholder engagement and achieving strategic objectives. Proficient in navigating complex legal frameworks and advancing projects in challenging environments.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Deputy General Counsel, Hydro

rPlus Energies LLC
Salt Lake City, UT
01.2021 - Current
  • Directed legal oversight for multiple large-scale pumped storage hydropower projects valued at $2–$4 billion each.
  • Managed comprehensive permitting and regulatory strategies, ensuring NEPA compliance and FERC licensing.
  • Progressed two projects through final license application process, achieving critical milestones.
  • Secured FERC non-jurisdictional determination for Oquirrh project, enhancing overall project viability.
  • Structured and negotiated complex transactions with utilities and strategic investors to optimize financial outcomes.
  • Oversaw coordination with outside counsel to mitigate legal risks while achieving strategic objectives.
  • Navigated complex water, land, and mineral rights issues to ensure long-term project success.
  • Engaged tribal governments and local communities to foster collaborative relationships and inclusive practices.

Vice President and Director, Legal Affairs

Twin Metals Minnesota, LLC
St. Paul, Minnesota
01.2013 - 01.2020
  • Oversaw legal and regulatory aspects of multi-billion-dollar mining project.
  • Successfully defended federal mineral rights in Minnesota against adverse actions.
  • Negotiated multi-billion-dollar mineral leases with BLM and USFS for project development.
  • Collaborated with CEO and executive team on environmental and corporate governance strategies.
  • Resolved complex mineral tenure and mining policies with Department of Agriculture and Department of Interior.
  • Prevented presidential Antiquities Act designation affecting Superior National Forest.
  • Coordinated joint state and federal EIS processes to streamline permitting activities.

Corporate Counsel, Mergers and Acquisitions

Rio Tinto America Inc.
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.2010 - 01.2012
  • Facilitated major corporate M&A transactions, divesting business units over $3 billion in revenue.
  • Provided legal counsel on human resources and employment issues across multiple regions.
  • Supported compliance with legal requirements for exploration activities in North and South America.
  • Contributed to divestment team that enabled IPO launch of Cloud Peak Energy Inc.
  • Drafted and negotiated transaction documents, including confidentiality and purchase agreements.
  • Established data sites and managed disclosure materials to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Led regulatory matters, including permit transfers and antitrust filings with Federal Trade Commission.

Director/Manager/Chief Legal Officer

Rio Tinto America Inc.
Gillette, Wyoming
01.2004 - 01.2010
  • Directed legal department for Rio Tinto Energy America, overseeing a team of two attorneys.
  • Advised senior management on corporate legal issues and compliance matters.
  • Managed all commercial and corporate litigation, reducing risk and liability costs.
  • Conducted corporate investigations, EEOC complaints, and MSHA inquiries.
  • Implemented code of conduct and corporate policies to ensure ethics compliance.
  • Represented company with government regulatory agencies on multiple legal fronts.
  • Served as chief legal officer and director on board for Rio Tinto America.
  • Supervised legal budget and outside counsel engagements for efficient resource allocation.

Corporate Marketing Attorney

Rio Tinto America Inc.
Gillette, Wyoming
01.2001 - 01.2004
  • Drafted and negotiated commercial contracts as both buyer and seller, advising senior managers on legal rights and obligations.
  • Pioneered implementation of master and confirmation contracting format, standardizing transactions and mitigating risk.
  • Possessed comprehensive understanding of contractual clauses and their effects on corporate risk and performance.
  • Negotiated multiple sale and procurement contracts to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Managed civil investigative demand from Department of Justice regarding alleged anticompetitive behavior in Powder River Basin.
  • Regularly invited as guest lecturer to train attorneys on development and negotiation of complex contracts at Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation.

In House Counsel

Graymont Inc.
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.1999 - 01.2000
  • Drafted and negotiated commercial and procurement contracts to optimize operational efficiency.
  • Established corporate policies and developed trademarks to enhance brand visibility.
  • Created business-to-business sales platforms to expand market reach effectively.

Education

J.D. - Law

University of Oregon
01.1999

M.B.A. - Corporate Finance

University of Oregon
01.1999

B.S. - International Corporate Finance

Brigham Young University
01.1996

Business Leadership Development Program -

Duke University
01.2006

Operational Leadership Development Program -

Duke University
01.2004

Corporate Counsel Internship -

Graymont Inc.
Salt Lake City, Utah
01.2000

Skills

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Contract negotiation
  • Environmental law and permitting
  • Natural resources law
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Litigation management
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Community relations and strategic planning
  • Public policy advocacy
  • Corporate governance and government relations
  • Legal writing
  • Team leadership
  • Analytical thinking
  • Dispute resolution

Certification

  • Licensed in Utah
  • Formerly licensed in Washington, Minnesota, and Wyoming

Publications

  • Pumped Storage an Old Dog Learning New Tricks
  • Agencies, Communities, and Lawyers, Oh My! The Do’s and Don’ts of Permitting Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Projects
  • Facilitating Expansion. Hyundai's blind date with an American Community
  • The Greatest Worth: Finding Oneself as a Single Member of a Family Centric Faith
  • Single Slices, Comic Strip

Awards

  • EPA Environmental Achievement Award, 2004 award for organizing 150 companies in remediating a hazardous waste facility near Denver Colorado
  • National Writing Award, 1998, Award for authoring the 'Best Paper in Corporate Community Relations' and was published through Boston College
  • Eagle Scout

Miscellaneous

Boy Scouts, Volunteer District Advancement Coordinator

References

Provided upon request

Timeline

Deputy General Counsel, Hydro

rPlus Energies LLC
01.2021 - Current

Vice President and Director, Legal Affairs

Twin Metals Minnesota, LLC
01.2013 - 01.2020

Corporate Counsel, Mergers and Acquisitions

Rio Tinto America Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2012

Director/Manager/Chief Legal Officer

Rio Tinto America Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2010

Corporate Marketing Attorney

Rio Tinto America Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2004

In House Counsel

Graymont Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2000

J.D. - Law

University of Oregon

M.B.A. - Corporate Finance

University of Oregon

B.S. - International Corporate Finance

Brigham Young University

Business Leadership Development Program -

Duke University

Operational Leadership Development Program -

Duke University

Corporate Counsel Internship -

Graymont Inc.

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