Roland Sanchez-Medina isn’t the kind of lawyer you meet in a courtroom drama. You’re more likely to find him in a boardroom, untangling the kind of corporate and real estate deals that make businesses boom—or quietly fail.
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Roland’s career started with books, grit, and more school than most would dare attempt. He earned his B.B.A. from the University of Miami, graduated with honors from Boston College Law School, and topped it off with an LL.M. in Taxation from NYU School of Law. That mix of business, law, and numbers has shaped everything he does.
Roland began his legal journey at Holland & Knight before making partner at McDermott Will & Emery. In 2005, he co-founded SMGQ Law in Coral Gables. His work focuses on mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities law, real estate financing, and tax planning—especially for businesses crossing international borders.
But Roland’s work doesn’t stop with clients. He has served as President of The Florida Bar and the Cuban American Bar Association. He’s chaired audit and budget committees for public schools and cities. He’s a member of the Orange Bowl Committee and former Chair of the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
He’s seen what happens when structure is an afterthought—and made a career out of helping others get it right the first time. Calm, clear, and never late to a strategy meeting, Roland Sanchez-Medina is the person you call before things get messy.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m a corporate lawyer based in Coral Gables, Florida. I co-founded SMGQ Law, where we work on business structuring, mergers, real estate, and tax planning. I also serve on boards and committees where governance and financial oversight are key. I like to be where the real decisions happen.
How would you describe your personal or professional vibe in 3 words?
Structured. Steady. Strategic. I don’t chase trends. I build frameworks that last. Whether it's a startup or a school board, I help people put systems in place that won’t fall apart under pressure.
What’s one fun fact about you most people don’t know?
I once served as the Chair of the Audit Committee for the City of Coral Gables. That meant long hours digging through spreadsheets and budget reports, but I genuinely enjoyed it. Most people think that’s the opposite of fun, but I like seeing where things don't add up.
What’s your favorite TV show right now?
Right now, I’m watching Better Call Saul. It’s obviously a legal show, but what I like is how it explores structure, ethics, and decision-making. It’s clever and doesn’t always go where you expect.
What’s your most-used social media app these days?
LinkedIn, hands down. That’s where I stay connected to people in law, business, and governance. I follow boards, legal updates, and leadership discussions. I use it daily.
What was the first social media app you ever joined?
Facebook. It was still new when I joined, but it was interesting to see how the legal and business worlds started using it to build presence. Now we take it for granted, but back then it was a shift.
Are there any influencers or creators you never miss content from?
I like following people who specialize in board governance and corporate ethics. One I never miss is Dottie Schindlinger from the Diligent Institute. Her posts and webinars about board practices are always sharp and full of practical insights.
Are there any must-follow accounts or pages for people in your industry?
Definitely the American Bar Association’s Business Law Section and The Florida Bar. They post case updates, ethics opinions, and leadership tips. Anyone in business law should be following them.
Do you listen to any podcasts related to your field or niche?
Yes, The Corporate Director Podcast by Diligent. It focuses on governance trends, risk, and compliance in a changing world. It's helpful for lawyers, executives, and board members alike.
What’s the best advice you’ve heard from a podcast or interview?
One guest said, “If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.” That stuck with me. I’ve seen deals unravel because key steps weren’t documented. Good habits like this make or break businesses.
If you could collab with any influencer or celeb, who would it be?
Honestly, I’d love to have a conversation with someone like Adam Grant. He talks a lot about leadership and organizational behavior, which ties directly into governance. I think we’d have a great discussion on accountability and systems.
What’s a habit, hack, or tool you swear by for staying informed or inspired?
I keep a Google Alert set for every topic I care about—governance, mergers, tax updates, and Florida Bar news. I read those headlines every morning with my coffee. It’s simple, but it keeps me sharp.
Follow Roland Sanchez-Medina online via LinkedIn
