Roy Black, the Miami Defense Star Who Once Represented Jeffrey Epstein, Passes Away at 80
Roy Black spent his life inside the courtroom, but one case stands out that many will remember long after he’s gone—his role as a defense attorney for Jeffrey Epstein. When news broke this week that Black had died peacefully at 80 in Coral Gables, Florida, it reopened the book on a career defined by headline-making trials and high-stakes drama.
Black was already famous for winning the televised 1991 trial of William Kennedy Smith, but defending Epstein put him into a different kind of spotlight—one tangled with wealth, power, and scandal. Epstein first came under legal scrutiny in the mid-2000s amid shocking allegations involving underage girls in Palm Beach. When it came to Epstein’s legal defense, Black joined a team that included well-known names like Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz and former U.S. Solicitor General Ken Starr.
In 2008, Epstein reached a controversial plea deal—often called a “sweetheart deal”—involving probation instead of jail time and sweeping immunity for various conspirators. That agreement still triggers heated debate, but for Black, it showcased what he always believed in: giving every client a strong defense, no matter how powerful or reviled. To Black, that was core to the American legal system.
Over a career spanning 50 years, Black built a reputation for taking on clients others wouldn’t dare touch. He defended famous figures like Justin Bieber, Rush Limbaugh, Kelsey Grammer, and Helio Castroneves—but the Epstein connection was a defining moment that drew intense attention.
He was unapologetic about his approach. “I’m defending me,” he reportedly said of his role in Epstein’s defense. “I don’t believe any of these guys knew that Jeffrey was a pedophile. I certainly didn’t. I thought he was a fascinating guy.” Critics saw the connection as troubling, but to Black, representation—even of unpopular clients—was a matter of principle.
And let’s be clear: Black was among the best. Colleagues remembered his work ethic as legendary—comparing him to Michael Jordan in dedication and skill. Howard Srebnick, his longtime law partner, described Black as teacher, mentor, and friend. Fellow lawyer David Markus said, “He worked harder than any lawyer I know… His impact on criminal defense is beyond measure.”
Off the clock, Black kept a quieter life. He married Lea Black in 1994 after meeting her during the Kennedy Smith trial—where she served as a juror. Together, they raised two children in Miami. He also taught criminal evidence at the University of Miami School of Law and wrote Black’s Law, influencing students and lawyers far beyond Florida.
When I reflect on Roy Black’s legacy, I see more than the controversies. I see a man who believed in fundamental fairness—even when it meant defending names that sparked outrage. His involvement in Epstein’s case won’t be forgotten, but neither will his work uplifting the legal system, mentoring young attorneys, and standing firm in his convictions.
Roy Black has passed, but his presence in the courtroom—and the debates he inspired—will endure. He wasn’t just a lawyer; he was the face of what criminal defense can represent when taken seriously, without fear or compromise.
