Vanessa Firnhaber-Baker, Associate, joined Bergman Draper & Frockt in 2008. She strives to represents individuals suffering from asbestos-related disease compassionately and zealously.

Vanessa graduated summa cum laude from Seattle University School of Law. At Seattle University, Vanessa served as an editor of the law review and was twice awarded the Year End Achievement Scholarship. While still a student, she interned as a Rule 9 public defender representing indigent criminal defendants in misdemeanor proceedings in King and Pierce Counties. Prior to her legal career, Vanessa received her undergraduate degree with honors from DePaul University in Chicago and worked in marketing and corporate communications.

Before joining Bergman Draper & Frockt, Vanessa served as counsel to the Washington State Senate Committee on Consumer Protection & Housing. In that position, she provided senators with legal analysis and policy advice. She also drafted and amended legislation addressing many issues including affordable housing, foreclosure rescue scams, privacy, predatory lending, and abusive credit reporting practices.

Originally from snowy Lansing, Michigan, Vanessa does not mind the Seattle rain one bit. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, reading, camping, and road trips.