“What drives me, what gives me passion, is to use the gifts and talents given to me by the lord in service of others.” – Gil Sanchez, Esq.

Gilberto E. Sanchez Valencia, III, also known as Gil Sanchez, was born, and raised in Parkersburg, West Virginia. He is the youngest of six (6) siblings born to Colombian parents. His mother, Nancy, operated and later owned a chain of family optical stores. Coming from humble beginnings, his father, Dr. Gilberto Sanchez, was a Cardiologist trained at Tulane University. In Colombia, Dr. Sanchez was a Medical School Professor at Universidad del Valle. When he immigrated back to the U.S. in the late 1960’s, he operated a small Internal Medicine and Cardiology medical practice in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

When Mr. Sanchez was just twelve (12) years old, his father suffered from a stroke and became permanently disabled. Due to his father’s disability, his family had to transition to a location with warmer climates. This prompted them to move to Bradenton, Florida, where he had the opportunity to play tennis at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, this experience helped fuel Mr. Sanchez’s passion for the sport. However, within eight (8) months, his parents decided to move back to Colombia, to a small town called Buga, in the Department of El Valle. While residing in Colombia, Mr. Sanchez became fluent in Spanish. Later, at the age of sixteen (16) his parents made the decision to return him back to the United States to complete high school and further his education in college. He graduated high school in 1995 from River View High School in Sarasota, Florida.

From 1995 to 2003, Mr. Sanchez attended the University of Florida for Undergraduate Studies and Law School where he majored in political science and received a minor and certification in Latin American Studies. During his education journey at U.F., Mr. Sanchez was a member of the Delta Chi Fraternity, Florida Blue Key. In addition to running for Student Body president he also accomplished many important roles and titles like, President of the Colombian Student Association (COLSA), President of the Hispanic Student Association (H.S.A), and Student Senator.

Mr. Sanchez’s advanced achievements granted him several distinguished awards including, a prestigious internship through the Washington Center, with U.S. Senator Bob Graham’s office in Washington, D.C. during the Summer of 1998. Mr. Sanchez was also awarded the most prestigious leadership awards at U.F., such as: Outstanding Male Undergraduate Leader, Outstanding Hispanic Student of the Year, U.F. Hall of Fame and Who’s Who. As a student, Mr. Sanchez co-founded Bleu Whale Entertainment, a special event planning company.

After graduation, Mr. Sanchez entered law school at the Levin College of Law at U.F. Mr. Sanchez was President of the Law College Council and co-founded a statewide calendar publishing business with sales in Calendar Club and Walden Books. Upon graduation, Mr. Sanchez moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to spear head a start-up manufacturing company.

Mr. Sanchez relocated to Tampa, Florida in 2003 to practice Corporate & Business Law, and Worker’s Compensation Insurance Defense Litigation with the law firm Stiles, Taylor & Grace, P.A., where he also assisted in state lobbying efforts. Mr. Sanchez then went to Maney & Gordon, P.A. to form its Business Law Department, in addition to practicing Immigration and Civil Litigation.

In 2007, Mr. Sanchez started and owned, Sanchez Law Offices, P.A. also known as Sanchez Valencia, Attorneys at Law, until February 2016. His law firm consisted of multiple attorneys practicing various areas of law, including Personal Injury, Civil Rights, Complex Litigation, Immigration, Business Law, Criminal Defense, Family Law, Debt Management, and Employee Rights. Mr. Sanchez’s areas of concentration were Personal Injury, Civil Rights & Complex Civil Litigation in State and Federal Court. He was successful in winning jury trials in State and Federal Court as well.
In present day, Mr. Sanchez continues to reside in the Tampa Bay area alongside, his supportive wife, Monica Sanchez. Together they have three (3) beautiful children. He became owner of Black Rock Trial Lawyers in January 2018, where he continues to concentrate his practice in Personal Injury, Civil Rights, & Complex Civil Litigation in State and Federal Court.