West Palm Beach Attorney Makes History; Sworn in this month as President-elect.
By Louis C. Ward, Special to The Florida Courier
Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr., a Miami attorney, was installed as the 76th president of the Florida Bar and Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes, a West Palm Beach attorney, is the first Black woman elected to the office of president-elect in the organization’s 135 years of existence.
The installation ceremony was held at the 2024 annual Florida Bar Convention on June 21 in Orlando. The Florida Bar is the organization of all lawyers licensed by the Supreme Court of Florida to practice law in the state.
Baker-Barnes will become the Florida Bar’s first Black woman president when she succeeds Sanchez-Medina a year from now. Attorney Gene Pettis was the first African American president. He served as the 2013-2014 president.
Baker-Barnes’ official title is shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, one of the country’s top law firms.
She is a board-certified civil trial lawyer and served as the 95th president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, and as the co-founder and inaugural president of the Palm Beach County Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association.
This week, Baker-Barnes talked to the Florida Courier about the Florida Bar position, her storied career and her advice for aspiring attorneys.
She has served on the Florida Bar’s Board of Governors since 2018 and other prestigious committees.
Baker-Barnes is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; past president of The Links, Inc., West Palm Beach Chapter; and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She earned her undergraduate and law degrees from Florida State University. Baker-Barnes and husband, attorney Edrick Barnes, have three children. She is the daughter of Rosalyn Baker and Judge Moses Baker, Jr.
Florida Courier: How did you feel becoming the first African American woman president-elect of The Florida Bar?
Baker-Barnes: Becoming the first African American female president-elect of the Florida Bar since its establishment in 1889 was both overwhelming and an incredible honor. What›s most important to me is serving. This position is a great next step in my journey of giving back. My parents and grandparents instilled in me the importance of opening doors even wider for those who come after me.
Some people have said that I achieved this position because of what I look like, but I have worked tirelessly throughout my career. I have been a lawyer for almost 24 years, tried major cases, and am board-certified (only 7% of lawyers in the state of Florida have achieved this recognition).
As a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and leader at various voluntary bar associations throughout the state, I have worked to consistently demonstrate my commitment and capability in this field. All these experiences have prepared me for this role. Sometimes, you can’t see yourself in a position unless you see someone else who looks like you in that role. I hope to inspire other future lawyers by showing them what it is possible.
Courier: Why did you become an attorney?
Baker-Barnes: I ori-ginally planned to be a news reporter. I was a communications major at Florida State University, and I loved my time in that field. It helped me develop my skills as a public speaker and orator, but something felt like it was missing. I realized that I wanted to use my skills to help people directly and make a tangible difference in their lives.
Becoming an attorney allowed me to turn my passion for speaking and advocacy into a meaningful career where I can assist clients in navigating complex legal issues and fight for their rights. This transition from journalism to law has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to blend my communication expertise with my desire to help others.
Courier: Why civil law?
Baker-Barnes: I fell into civil some- what by chance. While other members of my family worked in criminal law, I found myself on a different path. During law school, I interned at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, and it was there that I discovered my passion for civil law. The experience was incredibly rewarding, and I quickly realized that this area of law resonated with me. It allowed me to help people and have a direct impact on their lives. This unexpected journey into civil law has been deeply fulfilling, and I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for clients in such meaningful ways.
Courier: What do you think is the most important personal advice for a person to consider when thinking about a career in law?
Baker-Barnes: You must understand that a career in law is much more than advocating in the courtroom. Lawyers wear many hats. We are the voice of our clients, their counselors, and their advocates. Carrying out these responsibilities requires us to uphold the highest levels of ethics and maintain the confidence of our clients. Fostering strong relationships makes a significant difference in the lives of our clients and community.
Courier: What is the most important advice for a successful career in law?
Baker-Barnes: My dad always says, “Success is the residue of careful preparation.” As lawyers, that is what we must be and do every single day.
Preparation can take many different forms. Sometimes it means telling your client’s story, while other times it means understanding a new area of medicine or another specialized field. Every step of the way, thorough preparation is essential.
In our profession, all eyes are often on us, and these situations can be stressful and nerve-racking. My leveling force in all situations is preparation. It helps me be a better lawyer, presenter, leader, and confidant.
Courier: What is your ultimate career goal?
Baker-Barnes: My ultimate career goal is, first and foremost, to be a good lawyer. This is a constant evolution, as the legal landscape is always changing, requiring us to adjust and adapt continually. It is important to constantly grow and enhance our skills, and I am committed to this on-going process.
I am incredibly proud to be a leader in The Florida Bar. Throughout my career, it has been rare to see people who look like me in this field, and there’s still much work to be done. This drive led me to co-find the Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Women Lawyers Association, an organization dedicated to paving the way for Black women lawyers. We focus on mentoring, guiding and supporting lawyers, ensuring they are armed with the tools needed to be successful.
My goal is to continue this work and encourage other lawyers from all backgrounds, providing them with the resources and support necessary to achieve success with their clients. By fostering a more inclusive and supportive legal community, I hope to contribute to the growth and success of future generations of lawyers.
Courier: What pitfalls and obstacles do you tell your aspiring attorneys to look out for and how to handle them?
Baker-Barnes: In the legal profession, we face significant obstacles that can be stressful and overwhelming, and we often hesitate to ask for help. One major pitfall is the stigma associated with asking for help. It’s crucial to remember that we don’t wake up knowing everything. Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable and experienced mentors can be incredibly beneficial. Seeking guidance from those who have traveled the roads ahead can provide valuable insights and help avoid common mistakes.
We are not always aware of the pitfalls that can arise. This profession can be highly successful, but it also demands careful communication. In the age of instant media and email, it’s important to remember that our actions and words have lasting impacts. Be mindful of what you say, how you say it, and when you say it. Thoughtful and cautious communication is essential to maintaining a good reputation and avoiding unnecessary complications.
As young lawyers, we sometimes impose limitations on ourselves. It’s important to step outside of your comfort zone and have confidence in your abilities. Confidence comes with preparation and training. Take a chance on the tools you have been equipped with, and trust in your capacity to perform your job well. By being proactive, seeking guidance, and staying mindful of your words and actions, you can navigate the challenges of this profession more effectively.
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