Adam Rossen sits down with Carlos J. Martinez, the elected Miami-Dade Public Defender (11th Judicial Circuit), to unpack an extraordinary journey—from immigrating to Miami without speaking English to leading one of the nation’s largest criminal defense offices. This episode is rich with purpose-driven leadership, community impact, and practical wisdom.

Growing up in Miami in the early 1970s, Carlos learned resilience the hard way—overcoming language barriers, bias, and limited means. A tough ESOL teacher removed the safety net on day one, forcing fluency and fueling confidence; soon he and his classmates swept the school spelling bee. Throughout the episode, Carlos shares how education, work ethic, and service shaped his calling in public defense. You’ll hear the powerful lesson his parents carried from Cuba: they lost property and liberty, but no one could take their education.

Carlos also opens up about blue-collar beginnings—cleaning churches with his father, managing Exxon stations as a teen, and taking the long route through Miami-Dade College, FIU, and law school. His story is a masterclass in people-first leadership, community service, and finding mission in your career. For anyone considering public interest work—or simply trying to lead with empathy—will find this episode both practical and inspiring.

🏆 Episode Highlights

• Education as Freedom: Why learning became Carlos' unbreakable drive
• ESOL & Tough Love: The teacher who changed everything
• Resilience in Miami’s 1970s: Navigating a shifting city and culture
• Blue-Collar to Courtroom: Work ethic that forged a leader
• Serving at Scale: Running a massive criminal defense organization
• Values Alignment: Community impact over ego and “me first” culture

About the Guest

Carlos J. Martinez is the first Hispanic elected Public Defender in the US, and is Miami-Dade County’s Public Defender (11th Circuit). He leads a mission-driven team providing high-quality representation while advancing reforms around fairness, dignity, and opportunity for justice-involved families across South Florida.

https://carlosmartinez.miami/about-carlos/

📚Chapters

00:00 – “They took liberty, but not education”

00:31 – Intro: Carlos J. Martinez, Miami-Dade Public Defender

04:47 – Cuba → Miami: Learning English, ESOL immersion

06:18 – Bias, dignity, and an ally who stood up

10:13 – Spelling bee sweep & the power of hard work

21:33 – A pastor pays tuition: doors open at Immaculata LaSalle High School

27:22 – Education as the path forward

29:02 – Exxon, promotions, and the long road to public defense

Want to be a guest on the show? Reach out: [email protected]

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Learn more about Adam & the Rossen Law Firm at https://www.rossenlawfirm.com/