Carlos J. Martinez, J.D. '90, the elected Public Defender for Miami-Dade County, has championed equal justice for over three decades, advocating for the most vulnerable. He leads a $44 million office with nearly 400 employees handling 75,000 cases annually. First elected in 2008 and re-elected unopposed through 2024, Martinez is the first Cuban American and only Hispanic elected public defender in the U.S. Under his leadership, the Miami-Dade Public Defender's Office is nationally recognized for innovative, client-centered advocacy. At the University of Miami School of Law, he earned the Lawyer of the Americas Award, the Lawyers in Leadership Award, was inducted into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, and remains active in alumni leadership.
What aspects or opportunities at the law school had the most significant influence on your legal education and career trajectory?
Witnessing a car crash on my way to a Summer Honors Program class unexpectedly set my life on a new course. Because I arrived late, I was placed in an internship at the Public Defender’s Office, a shift that changed everything. What began as a ten-week assignment became a lifelong calling. That pivotal moment launched my career in public defense and my unwavering commitment to fighting for individual rights and equal justice. Advocating for the downtrodden, the despised, the voiceless, and the invisible has not only brought deep professional fulfillment, but it has also given profound meaning to my life. The experience taught me that sometimes a detour isn’t a delay, but a redirection toward one’s true purpose. The University of Miami School of Law didn’t just train me to practice law; it gave me the opportunity, space, and support to discover the kind of lawyer and person I was meant to be.
What is one lesson you learned in law school that you still apply today?
An enduring lesson I carry from law school is that the law can and must be a force for good. I learned that simply having the opportunity to help someone feel seen and heard is a profound privilege. That awareness instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. To truly advocate, we must recognize the human being behind every case and never forget that our work has real consequences in people’s lives. That perspective has shaped me throughout my journey from assistant public defender to elected Public Defender. It influences how I lead, how I serve, and how I mentor the next generation of lawyers. The University of Miami School of Law taught me that legal excellence and empathy are not only compatible, but they are also indispensable attributes. I’m forever grateful for that foundation.
What draws you to stay connected to the law school?
What keeps me connected to the University of Miami School of Law is its deep, ongoing commitment to social justice, public interest work, and practical training for future advocates. That alignment has fostered a strong partnership between my office and the law school, offering meaningful internships, Certified Legal Intern placements, and joint projects with the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center. We have collaborated on educational initiatives, shared resources, and worked together to support students called to public service. Just as important are the personal relationships with faculty, administrators, and alumni, built on mutual respect and a shared mission. I remain deeply grateful to the law school not just for shaping my path, but for continuing to invest in the next generation of passionate, skilled, and justice-driven lawyers. Staying connected feels less like giving back and more like being at home.
