Miami attorney and Bar leader urges lawyers to look out for each other, before it’s too late
Florida, US, 21st July 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Attorney and civic leader Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr., a founding partner at SMGQ Law, is calling for a renewed focus on mental health and wellness across the legal profession. Drawing from personal experience and decades of legal work, Sanchez-Medina is raising awareness about the silent challenges many attorneys face, and what can be done to change the culture from within.
“The legal profession is emotionally and mentally demanding,” Sanchez-Medina said. “We need to support lawyers before things fall apart, not after.”
Recent national studies show:
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28% of lawyers suffer from depression
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19% report anxiety
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Over 11% have considered suicide at some point in their careers
Source: ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs
Despite these staggering numbers, stigma and fear of professional judgment keep many attorneys from seeking help.
“A Softer, Kinder, Gentler Profession”
Sanchez-Medina, who has practiced law for over 30 years, says the problem isn’t just personal, it’s cultural.
“Too many lawyers only hear from their professional circles when something goes wrong,” he said.
“We need to build a legal community where connection, not just correction, is the norm.”
He stresses that mental health should not be treated as a side issue. “This can affect careers, families, and lives,” he said. “If attorneys lose their ability to make a living, everything else can unravel.”
Mentorship and Human Connection
Sanchez-Medina believes part of the solution lies in peer support. He has mentored dozens of young lawyers and students over the years, including a former teenage Haitian immigrant and a young associate who became a partner at his firm.
“Mentorship changes lives,” he said. “Someone did it for me. Now I try to do it for others.”
In 2018, he arranged a Harvard tour for low-income Miami high school students during his daughter’s time as a student there. “Those little things matter,” he said. “Sometimes people just need a door opened, or someone to say, ‘I see you.’”
What You Can Do
Sanchez-Medina’s message isn’t about launching a foundation or starting a campaign. It’s simpler: each person can do something.
“Check in on a colleague. Offer time to a law student. Use the resources that are already out there,” he said.
“And don’t be afraid to talk about mental health like we talk about deadlines or cases.”
A Personal Mission
The son of Cuban immigrants, Sanchez-Medina understands the pressure to push through silently. But he says the time has come to rethink that mindset.
“We’re trained to solve other people’s problems. But we rarely stop to check on ourselves,” he said.
“That needs to change. And it starts with us.”
He isn’t representing any organization in this effort, just himself, a lawyer who has seen the highs and lows of the profession.
“This is personal,” he added. “We can build a healthier profession together. But only if we decide to.”
Lawyers, legal staff, and law students are encouraged to:
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Reach out to someone they haven’t spoken to in a while
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Ask how colleagues are really doing
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Recommend confidential support services when needed
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Speak openly about stress, burnout, and wellness in their circles
“If you see someone struggling, don’t wait. Say something. Be the reason someone feels less alone.”
About Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr.
Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr. is a corporate and tax attorney based in Miami, Florida. He is a founding partner at SMGQ Law and has held leadership roles in legal and civic organizations across the state. His work focuses on mentorship, inclusion, and building a more human-centered legal profession.
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Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr.
