Welcome to the Table, I’ve Been Saving You a Seat
Sia Baker-Barnes
Welcome to the table. If I had to sum up my feelings about stepping into the role of president of The Florida Bar, it would be this: deeply honored, incredibly humbled, and keenly aware of my responsibility.
This moment isn’t just about a title or a term. It’s about you. Your practice. Your challenges. Your voice. And it’s about making sure you know, without a doubt, that this is your seat at the table.
One of the most powerful things we can do as professionals is to create space — not just physical space, but true space — for opinions, challenges, ideas, goals, and aspirations. As president, I want to ensure that you feel this space belongs to you. This year, we will develop more opportunities for members to collaborate and strengthen our Bar to be stronger, smarter, more sustainable, more fulfilling, and more meaningful.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of The Florida Bar, a milestone that signifies not just longevity but excellence. From our world-class CLE programs and comprehensive professional guidance resources to our unwavering commitment to the rule of law, The Florida Bar is recognized nationwide as the standard-setter.
We’ve created tools that support every type of lawyer, from solo practitioners to in-house counsel, and from young lawyers to courtroom veterans. We’ve built a network that not only connects members but also empowers them. We’ve held firmly to the idea that our profession, at its best, serves not just clients but also communities.
So, let’s build on that.
Let’s exchange new ideas. Let’s champion civility and pursue real solutions. Together.
Because this presidency, this moment, doesn’t belong just to me. It belongs to all of us.
And still, I want you to know this: while this is our shared moment, I will bring everything I have to this role — my best energy, my best thinking, and my full commitment. I’ve entered this year with ideas, but more importantly, with listening ears and a heart ready to serve.
One of the first things I’ve done is establish the Corporate Counsel Committee. This committee emerged from real conversations with corporate counsel across the state who told me, plainly, that they didn’t see themselves in the Bar. They weren’t showing up, not because they didn’t care, but because they didn’t feel there was a space designed for how they work, connect, or grow. It’s intended to bring in-house counsel together in a dedicated space where they can build relationships, share emerging trends across industries, and stay at the forefront of our evolving profession. Whether you’re in banking, biotech, sports, tech, or transportation, we want to hear from you, and we want to build with you.
I’ve also launched the Sustainability Initiative for Attorneys, which may be one of the most important long-term investments we make this year. It’s about sustaining the people in this profession. We’re seeing far too many good lawyers leave the practice, not because they lack the skill, but because they lack the support. They want meaningful and fulfilling careers, goals that some fear are simply unattainable in our profession. We will closely examine what it means to thrive in the law today, not just survive. From mental health to mentorship to business models that actually make sense in today’s economy, we’re asking: what does it take to remain in this profession and love it? And how can the Bar play a more significant role in helping to make that happen?
I believe in the strength of this Bar. I believe in the brilliance of our members. And I know that the best version of our profession, the one that uplifts, inspires, and endures is within reach.
Go ahead and pull up your chair, as this table isn’t complete without you. We need to have meaningful conversations about the future of our profession, including how we protect our colleagues’ well-being, adapt to new technologies, and preserve the dignity of our work along with the rule of law in a rapidly changing world. I’ve saved you a seat because I know you bring critical perspectives that will enhance our ability to provide the best representation for our clients and communities. So, I’m here, the table’s set, and the seat I saved for you is waiting — not just to be filled, but to be felt.
