Highlighting the Good Work of Lawyers
Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr.
As Florida Bar president, it’s an honor to reflect on the incredible ways in which our fellow attorneys make a lasting impact in their communities. Lawyers across Florida dedicate countless hours and resources to address the challenges facing those who are most vulnerable. From fighting for justice in courtrooms to raising significant funds for health research and promoting mentorship in our profession, these efforts embody the true spirit of public service and show the immense good that lawyers do for those we serve.
One of the most powerful demonstrations of this spirit is the unwavering commitment of Florida lawyers to pro bono service. In January, The Florida Bar honored the recipients of the President’s Pro Bono Service Awards for their outstanding contributions to providing legal services to those who cannot afford them. These honorees exemplify the selflessness of the legal profession, giving countless hours to ensure access to justice for the most vulnerable members of our society.
In just the past reporting year, Florida attorneys contributed over 1.7 million hours of pro bono service and donated more than $11.6 million to legal aid organizations. This impressive outpouring of time, talent, and resources not only highlights the generosity of Florida’s legal community, but also demonstrates our shared responsibility to ensure justice is within reach for all.
As proud as we are of these collective achievements, I also want to highlight the individual efforts of some remarkable attorneys in the 11th Circuit, where I practice. These lawyers have not only advocated for their clients, but have also leveraged their networks, resources, and personal experiences to make a significant difference in their communities. Among them are Michael Haggard, Mitchell Widom, John Kozyak, and Ira Leesfield — attorneys whose personal passions and professional success have driven them to give back in extraordinary ways.
Michael Haggard: Fighting for Kidney Disease Awareness and Research
Michael Haggard, one of the most accomplished trial attorneys in Florida, has dedicated a large portion of his life to fighting for those affected by Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Haggard’s personal connection to PKD is profound — he was diagnosed with the disease at a young age, and in 2016, underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. His own experience opened his eyes to the challenges faced by those living with PKD, and in response, he and his wife, Bekki, founded the Bekki and Michael Haggard Family Foundation.
Through their foundation, the Haggards raised over $1.5 million for the PKD Foundation. Haggard’s dedication to this cause is inspiring. His efforts have raised awareness about PKD, a disease that affects approximately 600,000 people in the U.S., and they have directly contributed to research aimed at finding a cure. His advocacy doesn’t stop there — he has worked to improve living donor registrations and to support transplant recipients, ensuring that others benefit from the type of support he was fortunate enough to receive.
Mitchell Widom: Raising Funds for Crohn’s and Colitis Research
Mitchell Widom of Miami has also used his position to fight for a cause close to his heart: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Widom founded the Keymorada Invitational fishing tournament in 2005 after his daughter, Taylor, was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 10. Over the years, the Keymorada Invitational has raised over $10 million for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and the University of Miami’s Crohn’s & Colitis Center.
The tournament is more than just a fishing competition — it’s a celebration of community and a testament to the generosity of people coming together for a greater cause. The funds raised through the event have made a significant impact in supporting research and treatment for these debilitating diseases.
John Kozyak: Mentoring the Next Generation of Lawyers
John Kozyak has long been an advocate for increasing mentoring within the legal profession. Through his foundation, Kozyak has created a pathway for students to succeed in law school and beyond. Kozyak’s foundation pairs students from Florida’s law schools with lawyer and judge mentors, providing them with the support they need to thrive in their legal careers. The foundation also offers a Summer Fellowship program, awarding grants to students who have secured public interest internships.
By promoting mentorship, networking, and financial support, Kozyak is building a pipeline for the next generation of legal professionals. Kozyak’s work continues to provide the tools and resources needed for young lawyers to excel.
Ira Leesfield: The Leesfield Family Foundation
The Leesfield Family Foundation, founded in 1990 by Ira Leesfield, his wife, Cynthia, and daughter, Jennifer, focuses on supporting women, children, education, and disaster relief.
The foundation has funded more than 50 scholarships, including the Leesfield/American Association for Justice Law Student Scholarship, given annually to law students across the country who demonstrate a commitment to preserving the civil justice system, and the Sookie Williams Scholarship, in partnership with the Miami-Dade Chapter Florida Association for Women Lawyers. The foundation also supports organizations like Live Like Bella, an organization that funds childhood cancer research and assists families with children undergoing treatment, as well as Amigos for Kids and the Overtown Youth Center.
The Leesfield Family Foundation also contributes in times of crisis, including in the aftermath of hurricanes, mass shootings, and even the recent fires in Los Angeles.
The work of Michael Haggard, Mitchell Widom, John Kozyak, Ira Leesfield, and countless other Florida lawyers serves as a reminder of the impact our profession can have on our communities. Whether it’s raising funds for medical research, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, or dedicating time to pro bono service, these attorneys demonstrate the positive influence that lawyers can have both inside and outside of the courtroom.
Our work as lawyers is not just about representing clients, but is also about using our skills, resources, and passions to help those in need. Together, we can continue to make a difference across Florida.
