In a historic moment for Florida’s legal community, Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes, Esq., was officially sworn in as the 77th president of The Florida Bar, becoming the first African American woman to hold the prestigious position in the organization’s 75-year history.
The Florida Bar, representing over 100,000 attorneys, is one of the largest bar organizations in the United States.
With her installation during the Florida Bar’s Annual Convention in Boca Raton, Baker-Barnes now steps into a powerful leadership role focused on shaping the future of the legal profession across the state.
“This is an incredible honor,” Baker-Barnes said during her remarks. “I stand on the shoulders of so many before me, and I’m committed to ensuring that I am a resource to both the profession and the next generation of legal leaders.”
A graduate of Florida State University and FSU College of Law, Baker-Barnes is a partner at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, where she focuses on personal injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death litigation.
She previously made history as the first African American woman to lead the Palm Beach County Bar Association.
Baker-Barnes is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Zeta Tau Omega Chapter, a reflection of her lifelong commitment to service, excellence, and sisterhood.
Legal professionals across the state celebrated her milestone, recognizing both the significance of her election and the inclusive direction she brings to the profession.
