A New Year. A Clear Purpose.
Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes
January marks the opening of our legal year, and with it comes a renewed sense of purpose, passion, and power. This is our moment to step forward with clarity. To recommit to our clients and our communities. To decide how we will lead the profession we love. Lawyers do not enter a new year casually. We enter it with intention, and that is one of the great strengths of The Florida Bar.
As we begin this legal year, I thank every member of The Florida Bar. You protect rights, stabilize families, advise businesses, guard constitutional principles, and serve the public in ways that reach far beyond the courtroom. Much of what you do happens quietly, but its impact is profound across every region of our state.
My priorities this year remain centered on strengthening our profession, supporting the lawyers who make it work, and elevating the public’s trust in the system we serve. You will see this reflected in several major efforts.
First, sustainability for lawyers. The practice of law evolves across the lifespan of a lawyer, and our support systems must evolve with it. The Sustainability Initiative for Attorneys is taking a comprehensive look at the different stages of a lawyer’s career and the unique pressures that shape each one. As part of this work, we will be adding new data-focused questions to upcoming Bar surveys to better capture the needs of the whole lawyer. I strongly encourage every member to respond honestly and promptly. Your candor will shape meaningful solutions. Under the leadership of Co-Chairs G.C. Murray and Michael Fox Orr, president-elect of The Florida Bar, the committee continues to meet and develop resources grounded in the lived experiences of our members.
Second, deeper engagement with corporate counsel. Corporate counsel represent one of the fastest-growing and most innovative groups within The Florida Bar. Under Chair Michel Morgan, the Corporate Counsel Committee has delivered CLEs, bootcamps, seminars, and webinars that meet the evolving needs of in-house lawyers and the businesses they serve. This year, Bar members also received a special Brightline discount at the Annual Florida Bar Convention, an effort that grew directly from our deeper engagement with business partners. I also interviewed the general counsel of Brightline to shed more light on the expanding role and influence of in-house lawyers. This work strengthens not only our members but also the companies and communities they protect.
Third, a renewed and expanded commitment to listening. In January, I will hold a statewide virtual listening tour within each district court of appeal region, including a dedicated session for our Out of State Division. These conversations are designed to allow every lawyer a direct voice with Bar leadership. We will discuss court operations, wellness, access to justice, technology, caseload challenges, and the realities of practice unique to each community. These dialogues will help guide our decisions throughout the year because the best leadership begins with listening
Fourth, celebrating pro bono service. One of the great privileges of this role is witnessing the extraordinary generosity of Florida lawyers. Each year, our Pro Bono Service Awards shine a light on attorneys who provide life-changing help to people who could not otherwise access the legal system. These celebrations remind us that the heart of our profession beats strongest when we serve those with the least. I look forward to honoring this year’s recipients and elevating the stories of hope they create across our state.
Fifth, advocating for our courts and judges. As the legislative session begins, we will continue to advocate for the resources our courts and judges need to serve the public effectively. A strong judiciary is the backbone of a strong democracy. Our courts need support to manage caseloads, implement technology, and deliver timely justice. We will work with legislators to ensure that our judges, court staff, and the entire system have what they need to function at the highest level for the people of Florida.
As we focus on leadership development, I also want to lift up the Wm. Reece Smith, Jr., Leadership Academy. It has become one of the most competitive and transformative programs in our Bar. Each year, hundreds apply, and a select cohort is chosen. Those who participate often describe the program as a series of experiences. But for the Academy, they would not have met these colleagues, learned these lessons, or gained these opportunities. Under Co-Chairs Brandon Sapp and David Thompson, the Academy continues to cultivate thoughtful, capable, and service-minded leaders.
Our Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division is thriving under the leadership of President Arti Hirani. We look forward to the upcoming Affiliate Outreach Conference in Orlando in February, recognizing the many young lawyer leaders around the state. The Florida Bar Board of Governors is excited to partner with the division on the Job and Resource Fair in March at the Broward Convention Center — designed to help young lawyers obtain, maintain, and thrive in their legal positions. We encourage you to join us in supporting our young lawyers!
I also recognize the work of The Florida Bar Board of Governors. Its responsibilities are broad and often complex. This past year, the board has taken on weighty issues that reach every corner of our profession. The board examined rules, addressed ethics matters, supported member needs, and responded to emerging challenges with care. What stands out most is how the board does this work. Transparently. Thoughtfully. And on time. Representing more than 115,000 lawyers is a significant responsibility, and the board approaches it with seriousness, humility, and a deep commitment to our members.
The strength of The Florida Bar rests on the dedication of our Board of Governors, our voluntary bars, our sections and divisions, our law schools, our young lawyers, and the thousands of attorneys who invest their time and expertise into this institution
My hope for this legal year is clear. That we lead with purpose. That we support each other generously. That we remain grounded in the values that define our profession. And that we move forward with passion and power.
I wish you a strong start to the year. I look forward to seeing you during the listening tour and throughout the months ahead.
Happy New Year. Let’s move forward together.
