Roy Black, a prominent Miami defense lawyer whose clients included Jeffrey Epstein and William Kennedy Smith, has died at the age of 80, his law partner confirmed Tuesday.
The Miami Herald reported that Black, a father of two, died on Monday at his home in Coral Gables.
Cause of Death and Family Statement
Roy Black’s death was confirmed by his wife, Real Housewives of Miami alum Lea Black, who shared a tribute on social media following his passing. While the exact cause of death has not been publicly detailed, reports state that the attorney had been ill in the months leading up to his death.
A private family service is expected, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
A Legal Legend Remembered
“For more than 30 years, Roy was my teacher, mentor and friend,” said his law partner, Howard Srebnick, in an email to The Associated Press. “The loss(es) I feel personally and professionally are immeasurable.”
In Miami legal circles, Black was viewed as the GOAT, the greatest of all time, said fellow defense attorney David O. Markus, who compared his late colleague to NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan.
“He worked harder than any lawyer I know. And he outlawyered every prosecutor who he ever went up against. I will miss him. His impact on criminal defense is beyond measure,” Markus said in an email to the news outlet.
High-Profile Cases and Celebrity Clients
Black represented and won cases for a slew of high-profile clients, including Justin Bieber and race car driver Helio Castroneves.
The William Kennedy Smith Trial
Smith’s 1991 trial drew national attention and was televised after he was charged with assaulting a woman in Palm Beach after a night of drinking. He was acquitted of the charges against him.
Smith, now a physician involved in an organization dedicated to banning land mines, is the nephew of former president John F. Kennedy, former Attorney General and U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and former Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Justin Bieber Case
In the Bieber case, the pop star was accused of driving a Lamborghini under the influence and drag racing. He later pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor careless driving and resisting arrest.
Helio Castroneves Tax Case
Castroneves, a winner of the Indianapolis 500, was acquitted of charges that he tried to evade more than $2 million in taxes.
Other Notable Clients
Other clients Black represented included deceased conservative political commentator Rush Limbaugh; Amid Khoury, who was found not guilty of bribing a Georgetown University tennis coach to get his daughter admitted to the school and Miami police officer William Lozano, who was acquitted in the shooting death of Black motorcyclist Clement Lloyd.
