By Peter Urban
Stephens Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama today nominated Kristine G. Baker to be the U.S. District judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Baker, a 1996 graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law, would replace retiring judge James M. Moody, on the federal bench.

Sens. John Boozman, R-Ark., and Mark Pryor, D-Ark., issued a press release today supporting her nomination.

“Kris has all the right tools to be a great judge, and I look forward to introducing her to my Senate colleagues. I think they will agree that her credentials, judicial temperament and commitment to a just legal system will help her serve the Eastern District of Arkansas with distinction,” Pryor said.

“I had an excellent visit with Ms. Baker over the summer and I was very impressed with her credentials, legal knowledge and reputation,” Boozman said. “She has a true commitment to the law as well as to the people of Arkansas. For these reasons, I believe she will be a good fit for the vacancy and will be working with Senator Pryor to ensure her nomination receives swift consideration.”

Baker is a partner at Quattlebaum, Grooms, Tull & Burrow, which has offices in Little Rock, Jonesboro and Springdale.

Baker’s practice focuses on business-related litigation. Her recent jury trial experience includes representing manufacturers against product liability claims, according to the law firm’s website.

In addition, she has handled cases involving media law, defending numerous libel and slander cases for national and local newspapers and television networks, according to the firm.

Throughout her legal career, Baker has also done extensive pro bono work, representing clients in a variety of cases through the Pulaski County Bar Association’s Volunteer Organization Center for Arkansas Legal Services (“VOCALS”) and helping elderly and sick prisoners receive proper medical care.

Obama sent Baker’s nomination to the Senate for confirmation.