Roy Black, the renowned Miami-based criminal defense attorney known for representing figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, Rush Limbaugh, and Justin Bieber, has died at age 80. His law partner, Howard Srebnick, confirmed Black passed away Monday at his home in Coral Gables, according to the Miami Herald.
“For more than 30 years, Roy was my teacher, mentor, and friend,” Srebnick said in a statement to the Associated Press. “The losses I feel personally and professionally are immeasurable.”
Known for his courtroom presence and methodical strategy, Black attracted a wide range of clients, from entertainers and political figures to police officers and businessmen. His most publicized cases included William Kennedy Smith’s 1991 televised acquittal in a sexual assault trial, pop star Justin Bieber’s DUI-related charges, and race car driver Helio Castroneves’s federal tax evasion case, in which he was acquitted. He also represented controversial financier Jeffrey Epstein and conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh.
Fellow defense attorney David O. Markus described Black as “the Michael Jordan of criminal defense,” adding, “He worked harder than any lawyer I know. His impact on criminal defense is beyond measure.”
Other notable clients included Miami police officer William Lozano, acquitted in the fatal shooting of a Black motorcyclist, and Amid Khoury, who was found not guilty in a high-profile college admissions bribery case. Black’s work in the courtroom earned him legendary status, and in legal circles across Miami, he was widely regarded as the “GOAT”—greatest of all time.
Roy Black leaves behind two children and a legacy defined by landmark legal victories, tireless advocacy, and a lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of attorneys.
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