Annual Florida Bar Convention kicks off in Orlando
The theme of this year's convention, 'The Power of Us - Collaborating for Tomorrow,' emphasizes the importance of cooperation among Florida lawyers in shaping the future
Roland Sanchez-Medina
The installation of Miami’s Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr., as The Florida Bar’s 76th president and West Palm Beach’s Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes as president-elect will highlight the 2024 Annual Florida Bar Convention, which will be held in Orlando from June 19-22.
The convention, which will include various committee meetings, training courses, symposiums, receptions, and competitions, will be held at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek & Waldorf Astoria Hotels.
The theme of this year’s convention, “The Power of Us – Collaborating for Tomorrow,” emphasizes the importance of cooperation among Florida lawyers in shaping the future. From section and committee meetings, luncheons, and special events to exceptional CLE seminars, participants will have numerous opportunities to connect with peers and advance their careers and the legal profession.
Convention highlights include:
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Justice Muniz
Judicial Luncheon Honoring Florida’s Judiciary: On Thursday, June 20, Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz will deliver the State of the Judiciary address. Recently elected by fellow justices to serve a second, two-year term, Muñiz is scheduled to deliver an annual assessment of the Florida courts at the from 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m.Last year, Muñiz praised a “seamless” implementation of the new Sixth District Court of Appeal and the Legislature’s willingness to invest tens of millions of new dollars in critical due process resources. He also warned Florida judges to be mindful of an erosion in trust and confidence in public institutions, including the courts.
“I think we would just be naïve if we thought we could just not be aware of that and hope that it all goes away,” Muñiz said.
- General Assembly: President Scott Westheimer will give his assessment of the State of The Florida Bar before he hands the reins to President-elect Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr., at a General Assembly from 9 a.m. to noon, on Friday, June 21.
Scott Westheimer
Westheimer is likely to look back on the success of his priorities, including creating some the nation’s first ethical guidelines for using generative AI in the practice of law, and developing “Nota” — a free, automated platform for managing trust fund accounts. The platform is designed to help lawyers avoid the most common reason for falling out of compliance with Bar rules.
After he is sworn in, Sanchez-Medina will announce his priorities for the coming year.
A Miami transactional lawyer and managing partner of SMGQ Law, the 1991 Boston College of Law graduate earned an L.L.M. from the New York University School of Law in 1992.
A former president of the Cuban American Bar Association, the veteran Board of Governors member was a boy when his family fled the Castro regime and settled in the U.S. — after a brief stay in Africa and Spain. Sanchez-Medina will share leadership responsibilities with another veteran Board of Governors member, President-elect Designate Rosalyn “Sia” Baker-Barnes, a shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley in West Palm Beach.
Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes
Board certified in civil trial law, Baker-Barnes is a 2000 FSU College of Law graduate who will become The Florida Bar’s first Black woman president when she succeeds Sanchez-Medina in 2025. With more than 20 years of service in various volunteer bar associations, Baker-Barnes became the 95th president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association in 2017.
“Whether it is through my 20 years of involvement in our voluntary bars statewide and community organizations, or giving back and mentoring lawyers and future leaders, my unwavering commitment remains focused on supporting others and our great profession,” Baker-Barnes said in a campaign platform statement.
- 50-Year Member Luncheon: The Florida Bar will honor more than 700 attorneys and senior counselors for 50 years of dedication to the practice of law during a luncheon at the convention on June 21. Former Justice James E.C. Perry and retired Okaloosa County Judge Patt Maney, now a member of the Florida House of Representatives, will be the featured speakers at the annual luncheon.
Justice James E.C. Perry
Perry was the 85th justice of the Supreme Court serving from 2009-2016. He is a native of New Bern, North Carolina, and was appointed to the Florida Supreme Court by Gov. Charlie Crist. Before his appointment, he served as a circuit judge in the 18th Circuit.
Rep. Patt Maney
Also a retired Army general, Maney won the support of the active and retired service members who dominate his Northwest Florida district after he helped establish one of the state’s first veterans treatment courts.
- President’s Reception: This event, taking place on Friday, June 21, at 5:30 p.m. ET, is sponsored by the Annual Convention Sponsors.
The convention web page details the schedule of meetings and events, all CLE programs, and other important information.
