Roy Black, a renowned Miami defense attorney known as the ‘greatest of all time’ in legal circles, has died at 80 after defending celebrities in high-profile cases. His law partner, Howard Srebnick, confirmed his death on Monday, stating that Black passed away at his home in Coral Gables.
In legal circles, Black was consistently regarded as the best, with fellow defense attorney David O. Markus comparing him to the NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. Markus highlighted Black’s dedication and competitive spirit, saying he ‘outlawyered every prosecutor who he ever went up against.’
Black’s career was marked by several high-profile cases, including the defense of William Kennedy Smith, who was acquitted of assault charges in 1991. Smith, now a physician and advocate for banning land mines, is the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. The case drew national attention and was televised, sparking ongoing public debate.
Black also represented Justin Bieber, who was accused of reckless driving and resisting arrest, as well as race car driver Helio Castroneves, who was acquitted of tax evasion charges. Other notable clients included Rush Limbaugh and Amid Khoury, who was found not guilty of bribing a Georgetown University tennis coach for his daughter’s admission.
Black’s legal career was not without controversy. The acquittal of Miami police officer William Lozano in the shooting death of Clement Lloyd sparked riots in Miami in 1989. Despite these challenges, Black’s reputation as a formidable defense attorney remained strong.
Colleagues and legal experts have expressed deep mourning over Black’s death, noting the profound impact he had on the legal profession. His legacy is expected to be remembered in legal discussions for years to come.