Notable Miami Defense Attorney Roy Black Passes Away at 80
Roy Black, a distinguished defense attorney based in Miami known for representing clients such as Jeffrey Epstein and William Kennedy Smith, has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by his law partner on Tuesday.
According to reports from local media, Black, a father of two, passed away on Monday at his residence in Coral Gables.
“In over three decades, Roy was my mentor, educator, and friend,” said Howard Srebnick, his law partner, in a statement to The Associated Press. “The personal and professional void left by his passing is profound.”
Black garnered significant attention for successfully defending a range of high-profile individuals, including pop star Justin Bieber and Indianapolis 500 champion Helio Castroneves.
Within legal circles in Miami, Black was often regarded as the greatest of all time, likened by fellow attorney David O. Markus to NBA legend Michael Jordan.
“He outworked every attorney I’ve known and consistently outmaneuvered his adversaries. His absence will be deeply felt. His contributions to criminal defense are immeasurable,” Markus stated in an email to news sources.
Smith’s widely publicized trial in 1991 attracted national media attention, being televised as he faced allegations of assaulting a woman in Palm Beach after a night of drinking. He was ultimately acquitted.
Smith, a physician, is related to notable political figures, including former President John F. Kennedy and his brothers Robert and Edward M. Kennedy.
In the case involving Bieber, the singer faced charges for driving a Lamborghini while under the influence and engaging in drag racing. He later entered a not guilty plea to charges of careless driving and resisting arrest.
Castroneves, recognized for his success in the Indianapolis 500, was declared not guilty of attempting to evade over $2 million in taxes.
Black’s clientele also included deceased conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh, Amid Khoury, who was acquitted of bribery charges related to a Georgetown tennis coach, and Miami police officer William Lozano, who was found not guilty in the controversial shooting of motorcyclist Clement Lloyd, an incident that instigated riots in Miami in 1989.
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