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their services delivered. e word I always use is relentless, the practice of law is just relentless. e pressure of the practice of law can create health issues and aggravate mental health issues. Michael Higer, the newly installed president of e Florida Bar has made lawyer mental health one of his priorities and I expect that the results of this focus will move the needle forward.
AALM: What’s the di erence between a good attorney and an outstanding one?
Sanchez-Medina: Our profession is re­ plete with very smart people. erefore, the measure of intelligence does not separate the wheat from the cha . I think the passion for wanting to help people and taking pride inyourworkarethetraitsthatseparatethe good from the outstanding. Yes, reading a 50­page agreement can be exhausting and at some point you lose focus, but you have to take into consideration the needs of the client and take pride in your work product.
AALM: What compelled you to start your own practice?
Sanchez-Medina: I am one of the found­ ers of my rm along with Peter Gonzalez and Pablo Quesada. We were friends rst which is important because we liked each other on a personal basis. As we started to grow, opportunities arose and Emy Que­ sada, Gus Lage, Joe Gomez and Carlos Machado joined us. I’m very proud of them as partners and human beings. Good law­ yers, and even better people. Working with people you don’t like can really damage an atmosphere so we make every e ort to en­ sure we stay true to that philosophy.
AALM: How would you describe the cul­ ture of the rm?
Sanchez-Medina: All of our partners came from large rms and the intensity of those beginnings are still part of our culture but we are able to couple that with a family at­ mosphere. It’s a very nice place to work and we work in earnest to ensure that it stays that way. Our o ce manager, Gladys Abraham, is extraordinary and gets much of the credit for the warm atmosphere we have. Like many law rms, the lawyers and sta spend more hours at the o ce than they do at their homes so we must maintain a sense of compassion along the professional environment.
AALM: Tell us how your practice has evolved over the years.
Sanchez-Medina: I started out as a tax lawyer, and then evolved into a corporate
and real estate lawyer since tax lawyers typically don’t lead a deal but serve ancillary roles in many respects. I consider myself a transactional lawyer with skills in those ar­ eas. My practice was rede ned when that evolution started – from tax lawyer to trans­ actional lawyer. I enjoy the intellectual chal­ lenge of corporate, real estate and tax work.
AALM: What accomplishment are you most proud of achieving?
Sanchez-Medina: Other than my chil­ dren, I am most proud of starting SMGQ Law and practicing law with people I really admire. I enjoy coming to work. In addi­ tion, I am proud to serve as a member of the board of governors of e Florida Bar, and the Orange Bowl Committee. e Florida Bar o ers me the opportunity to try to improve the practice of law and in­ teract with 52 passionate attorneys from across Florida. e sta of e Florida Bar is amazing.
Similarly, the Orange Bowl Committee is a group of smart, passionate women and men who promote South Florida and strive to make it a better place to live. Eric Poms and the organization he has developed is without a doubt the best in the country.
AALM: What do you most hope to accom­ plish in the future? Where do you see your­ self in ve years? In 10?
Sanchez-Medina: I hope to be practicing law at a high level, and being involved both in the community and with my profession. At that point, I hope to be in a leadership role in the organizations that I have dedicat­ ed my time to. I would like to see the young­ er attorneys that I work with in my o ce ourish, evolve and grow in their careers.
Superstars 2017 Attorney at Law Magazine® South Florida | 25
At a Glance
SMGQ Law
201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1205 Coral Gables, FL 33131
(305) 377-1000 www.smgqlaw.com
Practice Areas
Corporate Real Estate Tax
Education
LL.M. in Taxation, New York University School of Law, 1992 Juris Doctor, Boston College Law
School, 1991
Bachelor of Arts, University of
Miami, 1988
Professional Memberships
The Florida Bar, Board of Governors
Cuban American Bar Association Dade County Bar Association Miami-Dade County FAWL
Honors
Super Lawyers
Legal Elite
Top Transactional Attorney South
Florida Legal Guide Best Lawyers in America
Community Involvement
Orange Bowl Committee
South Florida Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce
Leadership Florida
Citizens Board of the University of
Miami
Catholic Relief Services
Professional Advisors Network
Hobbies
Working Out
Spending Time With Family Reading
Traveling
Favorite Quote:
Twenty years from now you will
be more disappointed by the
things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw
off the bowlines. Sail away from
the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain
Robert Klemm Photography