Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes becomes Florida Bar president-elect
'Sia's election is a testament to her exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and the progress our profession continues to make'
Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes is sworn in as president-elect of The Florida Bar at the Annual Florida Bar Convention in Orlando. Baker-Barnes will become the Bar’s first Black woman president when she succeeds President Roland Sanchez-Medina, Jr., a year from now. “She embodies the values of fairness, perseverance, and empathy,” said her sister, Destinie Baker Sutton, who introduced her at the General Assembly.
Marking a significant milestone in both her career and the history of The Florida Bar, Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes has been welcomed as the president-elect, becoming the first Black woman to hold the position.
Judge Moses Baker, Jr., and his daughter, Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes
In keeping with tradition, the Bar’s president-elect refrains from delivering a speech at the General Assembly. However, on June 21, Baker-Barnes took the oath of office surrounded by her husband, fellow attorney Edrick Barnes, and their children, Selia, Emri, and Edan, along with her parents Rosalyn and Judge Moses Baker, Jr. Originally slated to administer the oath, Judge Baker was moved by emotion and asked Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz to step in and perform the swearing-in ceremony. Destinie Baker Sutton, Baker-Barnes’ younger sister, introduced her to the packed ballroom, which also included many more of her extended family.
“Sia’s election is a testament to her exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and the progress our profession continues to make,” Baker Sutton said.
Destinie Baker Sutton emphasized Sia Baker-Barnes’ tenacity and highlighted her ability to tackle serious issues with humility, grace, and humor.
Baker Sutton recounted Baker-Barnes’ journey from her early days as a passionate law student to her current role as a shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart and Shipley, one of the nation’s top law firms.
“Sia has always demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to her family, her community, and to justice and equality,” Baker Sutton added.
“Her relentless pursuit of justice, her integrity, her ability to lead with both strength and compassion have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers,” said Baker Sutton, adding Barker-Barnes’ dedication extends beyond her clients to serving the broader legal community and society-at-large.
Baker Sutton emphasized Baker-Barnes’ tenacity and highlighted her ability to tackle serious issues with humility, grace, and humor.
“She embodies the values of fairness, perseverance, and empathy,” Baker Sutton noted, underscoring Baker-Barnes’ belief in the rule of law as a tool for positive change and that she works tirelessly to ensure that justice is accessible to all people.
“Sia’s impact on the legal profession and her vision for the future of The Florida Bar are profound,” Baker Sutton said. “She has always championed causes that matter most from promoting younger lawyers within the legal community to advocating for the underserved.”
As president-elect, Baker-Barnes, a board-certified civil trial lawyer, will bring a fresh perspective and a commitment to principles that ensure justice and equality, she said.
Turning toward her “big sister,” Baker Sutton said, “Your dedication, hard work, and pioneering spirit have paved the way for future generations,” expressing her pride in her sister’s achievements.
As Baker-Barnes steps into this new role, her sister says she has absolutely no doubt “that you will lead with the same passion and integrity” that have defined her career thus far.
