Charles Edward Baum

Charles is a California native, born and raised on the best coast. After earning his college degree at UC San Diego, Charles attended University of California, Hastings College of Law for his juris doctorate. He also attended Stanford University, earning a Master’s degree in Chinese. Following the tragic events of 9/11, he joined the Air Force as a Judge-Advocate, and served in the United Kingdom, Africa, the Middle East, Korea and the Pentagon.​ On his return to California, Charles joined the Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office. As a prosecutor, he handled hundreds of criminal cases, including high-profile gang cases and murder trials. Wanting to help families in a more impactful manner, he chose to put his litigation, negotiation and organizational skills to work as a family law and estate planning attorney.​ Charles has extensive ties to the Santa Cruz community. He coaches high school Mock Trial teams, teaches archery to community youth, and serves as a Scouting America leader. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his wife, climbing mountains with his daughter, and studying martial arts with his son.