He comes from a prominent family -- his father is a well-regarded dentist who practices in Oakland and the South Hills.

Baumhammers graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School, where friends described him as a loner. He also is a Kent State University graduate. Upon leaving Ohio he moved to Birmingham, Ala., and Sacramento, Calif., before settling in Atlanta to practice law.

The Georgia State Bar Association said that he was an active member as of March.

Baumhammers is listed on a Web site for Latvian lawyers practicing outside the small eastern European country. He said that he had expertise in immigration and international law.