Jacksonville Welcomes Florida Bar President Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr.
On November 21, 2023, the Jacksonville Bar Association hosted a meeting featuring Florida Bar President Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr.. A passionate advocate for the legal profession, Sanchez-Medina shared his life experiences and professional insights with local attorneys.
A Journey from Cuba to Leadership
Sanchez-Medina’s journey began in Cuba, where he lived under the Fidel Castro regime. Seeking freedom, his family fled the country, eventually navigating their way through the Belgian Congo, South Africa, and Spain before settling in the United States. In Miami, his father established a successful orthopedic surgery practice, instilling a work ethic and the importance of education in Sanchez-Medina and his sister. “We grew up poor in a 400-square-foot apartment, there was no legacy of wealth. Our legacy was to work hard and become educated,” he noted.
Education and Professional Development
In 1988, Sanchez-Medina graduated from the University of Miami and later earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Boston College School of Law in 1991. He followed this accomplishment with a Master of Laws (L.L.M.) in taxation from New York University School of Law in 1992, the same year he joined The Florida Bar.
Building Connections in Jacksonville
Sanchez-Medina expressed his fondness for Jacksonville, citing the friendships he has built throughout his career and his involvement in state bar leadership. “I was accepted with open arms as a young attorney,” he reflected. His history as a past president of the Cuban American Bar Association and participation in various community organizations, including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Miami-Dade County School Board, and the Orange Bowl Committee, showcase his dedication to community engagement.
Leadership Philosophy
Having served on The Florida Bar’s board of governors for a decade, Sanchez-Medina finds the most rewarding aspect of his role is the relationships he forms. He quoted a Harvard study that emphasizes the impact of strong relationships on longevity, humorously adding, “If that’s true, I’ll live to be 110.”
Prioritizing Well-Being in the Legal Profession
During his presidency, Sanchez-Medina plans to focus on an important theme: encouraging attorneys to prioritize their physical and mental health. He pointed out the challenges faced by legal professionals, stating, “Check in on yourself. Our profession is relentless and intense to bill the hours and bring in the work. It’s a pressure cooker.”
Conclusion
As Sanchez-Medina embarks on his year-long term as president, he aims to foster a culture of well-being among Florida’s legal professionals. His unique life experiences and commitment to relationships not only shape his leadership style but also inspire others in the legal community to take a step back and check in on their well-being.
