Searcy Denney Celebrates Black History Month with Shareholder Rosalyn “Sia” Baker-Barnes’ Historic Achievement

Shareholder Rosalyn “Sia” Baker-Barnes is the First African American Woman to Serve as President of The Florida Bar

We are proud to celebrate Searcy Denney Shareholder Rosalyn “Sia” Baker-Barnes making history as the first African American Woman to serve as President of The Florida Bar. Ms. Baker-Barnes is an extremely accomplished trial attorney who has secured numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts since starting her legal career at the firm more than 25 years ago.

The Florida Bar Highlights Ms. Baker-Barnes’ Historic Presidency

In an article announcing the start of Ms. Baker-Barnes’ tenure, The Florida Bar writes:

“Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes seems to have been destined for success. With a natural confidence that puts others at ease, she emanates a calm, decisive energy that feels innate. . . . President Baker-Barnes is altogether clear on her purpose and agenda, focused on ensuring the growth and sustainability of the legal profession while nurturing those who enter it, especially the next generation of lawyers.”

The Florida Bar’s article also acknowledges the achievements that Ms. Baker-Barnes has amassed during her career, as well as the fact that she was also the first African American woman to serve as the President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. The Bar quotes U.S. District Judge Robin Rosenberg as calling Ms. Baker-Barnes a “remarkable woman” who has the “full package” in all aspects of her professional career and personal life. 

New Special Committee on the Sustainability Initiative for Attorneys serves as Top Priority During Ms. Baker-Barnes’ Tenure

One of Ms. Baker-Barnes’ first initiatives after her swearing-in in June of 2025 was launching a Special Committee on the Sustainability Initiative for Attorneys. This new Special Committee’s purpose is to evaluate and address the growing number of attorneys leaving the legal profession before retirement. 

About Rosalyn “Sia” Baker-Barnes

Ms. Baker Barnes is relatively unique among today’s attorneys in that she has spent her entire legal career at a single law firm—Searcy Denney. She joined the firm after graduating from the Florida State University College of Law in 2000 and became a Shareholder in 2012. She joined the firm’s Executive Committee in 2025.

In addition to her historic achievement as President of The Florida Bar, Ms. Baker-Barnes was also the first African-American female President of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, serving as the Association’s 95th president in 2017.

Focusing her practice on personal injury, medical malpractice, and products liability litigation, Ms. Baker-Barnes is well-known for her skilled and effective approach to client advocacy, both in settlement negotiations and at trial. Her notable victories include a $300 million opioid whistleblower settlement against Walgreens and a $20 million verdict against RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, among many others.

We continue to celebrate Ms. Baker-Barnes for her historic accomplishments and look forward to her continued leadership both within our law firm and beyond.

Contact Searcy Denney | A Florida Personal Injury Law Firm

With offices in West Palm Beach, Tallahassee, and Tampa, Searcy Denney represents individuals and families throughout Florida and nationwide. If you would like more information about our firm, we invite you to get in touch. Call us at 800-780-8607 or contact us online today.