Cuban American Bar Association Hosts 52nd Annual Gala
Michael A. Hammer Receives first-ever Humanitarian Award
Jordi C. Martínez-Cid, left, was formally installed as the organization’s new president by his father, Ricardo Martínez-Cid, one of the co-founders of CABA.
The Cuban American Bar Association (CABA), one of Florida’s largest voluntary bar associations, recently celebrated its 52nd Annual Gala at Jungle Island. Over a thousand attorneys, judges, civic leaders, and community supporters attended one of South Florida’s premier legal and philanthropic black-tie events.
In a touching moment, Jordi C. Martínez-Cid was formally installed as the organization’s new president by his father, Ricardo Martínez-Cid, one of the co-founders of CABA. As a longtime CABA member, Jordi Martínez‑Cid has served on the board of directors since 2020 and previously served as board president of CABA Pro Bono Legal Services, which provides free legal services to low‑income Florida residents. He is also the founder of Martínez‑Cid Law.
“Fuiste Tú,” was this years’ gala theme, featuring museum‑style exhibits that highlighted CABA’s history and a commemorative time capsule.
Ambassador Michael A. Hammer
The first‑ever Humanitarian Award was presented, on behalf of CABA, to Michael A. Hammer, chief of mission of the U.S. Embassy in Havana. A veteran U.S. diplomat and career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Hammer was recognized for his work advancing human rights, civil liberties, and justice. He has emphasized human rights and freedom for the Cuban people as guiding priorities of his mission.
“I draw tremendous strength from the Cuban people,” said Hammer, as he concluded his speech. “I am confident that 2026 will be the year of Cuba libre…en el 2026 la dictadura se va aCABAr.”
Guests were treated to a by Grammy and Latin Grammy Award‑winning artist Willy Chirino, whose music brought the crowd to its feet.
The annual gala raises funds to support both the CABA Foundation and CABA Pro Bono Legal Services.
“From the bottom of my heart, I’m thankful to everyone who came to support CABA’s 52nd Annual Gala,” said Martínez‑Cid. “It was an unforgettable night, from presenting our first Humanitarian Award, to raising critical funds for pro bono work and scholarships, to having my father swear me in as president.”
This year’s sponsors included: Podhurst Orseck, Martínez‑Cid Law, First Horizon Bank, Bilzin Sumberg, Buchanan Ingersoll Rooney, Colson Hicks Eidson, Day Pitney, Dorta Law, First Bank of Florida, FORS Attorneys, Greenberg Traurig, Heise Suarez Melville, Holland & Knight, Kaufman Rossin, King & Spalding, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton, Law Offices of Liudmila A. Marcelo, Miami Dade College Foundation, Shutts & Bowen, Sidley Austin, Silva & Silva, St. Thomas University College of Law, Stewart Tilghman Fox Bianchi & Cain, The Founders Law, U.S. Century Bank, Weiss Serota Helfman Cole Bierman, and Wicker Smith.
For more information about CABA or to support its mission, visit cabaonline.com.
