Recognized as an Outstanding Community Leader
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (March 24, 2016) – Roberto Martínez, a partner at Coral Gables-based law firm Colson Hicks Eidson, was recently recognized by the Miami Coalition of Christians and Jews (MCCJ) as a 2016 Silver Medallion Honoree at the organization’s annual Humanitarian Gala. WPLG Local 10’s Calvin Hughes hosted the event, which celebrated Miami’s diversity and honored those that have helped to build a more welcoming, inclusive, just and cooperative society.
Since 1946, MCCJ has presented the coveted Silver Medallions to individuals whose humanitarian work parallels the coalition’s mission to advance understanding and respect among all cultures, religions and races.
“Bob Martínez was chosen for the 2016 Silver Medallion for his outstanding service to our community by working toward inclusiveness of opportunity for everyone; and for the great heart and humility with which he does it,” said Roberta Shevin, MCCJ Executive Director.
Martínez was honored along with fellow honorees Brian L. Bilzin, Kimberly Green, Debra Shaw-Wilder. The venerable J. Fritz Bazin was awarded the Special Clergy Medallion. Miami attorney Jaret Davis chaired the event held at the Four Seasons Hotel while Marie and Bill Diggs; Helen Aguirre and Jose Ferre; and John Kozyak served as the gala’s honorary chair.
“The MCCJ is a remarkable organization with a powerful message and I am honored to be in the company of my fellow honorees and previous Silver Medallion award recipients,” said Martínez.
A former United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Martínez concentrates his practice on civil trials and white collar criminal defense. An active community and civic leader, he currently serves as the Chair of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools 21st Century Bond Advisory Committee, and has served as the Chair of the District Board of Trustees of Miami-Dade College, Vice Chair of the Florida State Board of Education, Chair of the Florida Federal Judicial Nomination Commission, Chair of the Transition for Governor-elect Charlie Crist, Chair of the Transition for Attorney General-elect Charlie Crist, General Counsel to Governor Jeb Bush during the gubernatorial transition, and was as an adjunct professor at the University of Miami School of Law.
A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Martínez was recognized by the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division with its Special Recognition Award and The Florida Bar’s Voluntary Bar Association with its Pro Bono Service Award.
He received his J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center and also holds an M.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business.
About Colson Hicks Eidson
The law firm of Colson Hicks Eidson is a trial firm with more than 40 years of experience handling local, national and international litigation. Partners at the firm have had the distinction of holding the following offices: President of the 60,000-member American Association for Justice; President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers; President of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers; President of the Dade County Bar Association; President of the Miami-Dade Florida Association of Women Lawyers; United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; and Chairman of the Florida Federal Judicial Nominating Commission. For more information, call 305-476-7400.