MIAMI, FL — Roy Black, a towering figure in American criminal defense law whose courtroom skills made him a fixture in some of the nation’s most high-profile and controversial legal battles, has passed away at the age of 79. His death was confirmed by family members early Monday morning. The cause was not immediately disclosed.
Known as a brilliant strategist and eloquent courtroom tactician, Black gained national recognition for defending both the infamous and the influential. Among his most widely watched cases was the 1991 acquittal of William Kennedy Smith on rape charges—a verdict that catapulted Black to legal stardom. Decades later, his name would again make headlines for negotiating a controversial and widely criticized plea deal for disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Over the course of a storied career spanning more than four decades, Black’s client list read like a cross-section of celebrity, scandal, and power. From politicians and CEOs to athletes and entertainers, he was often sought out not just for his legal acumen, but for his unshakeable composure under pressure and command of complex legal arguments.
To some, he was a brilliant defender of constitutional rights and due process. To others, his role in defending individuals accused of heinous crimes made him a lightning rod for criticism. But even among detractors, Black was acknowledged as one of the most formidable legal minds of his generation.
Born in New York and raised in Miami, Roy Black graduated from the University of Miami School of Law, where he later taught as an adjunct professor. He earned the nickname “The Professor” not only for his academic demeanor but for his deep knowledge of case law and his ability to distill complex legal theories into compelling narratives for juries.
While the shadow of the Epstein case followed him in his later years, Black remained unapologetic about his role as a defense attorney, often stating that his duty was to ensure that every individual—no matter how reviled—was afforded the right to a vigorous defense under the law.
“He never flinched from a case, no matter how high the stakes,” said longtime friend and fellow attorney Jack Goldstein. “He believed in the system, and he believed in doing the job to the absolute best of his ability.”
Outside the courtroom, Black was known as a devoted husband to Lea Black, philanthropist and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Miami, and a loving father. His loss is deeply felt by family, friends, and the wider legal community.
Roy Black’s death marks the end of an era in American criminal defense law—a complex and controversial figure who, for better or worse, left a permanent imprint on the nation’s legal landscape.
A private funeral service is expected in the coming days, with a public memorial being planned in Miami, where Black lived and practiced for most of his life.
May he rest in peace.