Last night, legendary criminal defense lawyer Roy Black, Esq. passed away at his home in Miami. “Legendary” feels like too small a word. The legal community lost one of the greatest legal minds to ever enter a courtroom and its greatest trial lawyer. I personally lost a close friend and mentor. While there will be obituaries and articles highlighting Roy’s remarkable career, we could not let the day pass without telling you what Roy Black meant to us. Known for his commanding courtroom presence, persuasive arguments, and unwavering determination, Roy secured acquittals in some of the most difficult and notorious criminal cases throughout his 50-year career. His contributions to criminal defense were extensive, his trial preparation meticulous, and his courtroom improvisation skills unmatched.
DRC had the honor of working with Roy on numerous cases. Even though he was always the smartest person in the room, as we brainstormed trial strategy and jury tested cases, Roy was the ultimate collaborator and never dismissed anyone’s opinion, no matter their position on the trial team. He was a lifelong learner and student of the law and the principles of persuasion. We never saw him flinch under pressure or cower before any court. His confidence was as supreme as his courtroom skill; it made him a steady and gracious leader and made everyone around him the best they could be. As smart as they come, Roy’s knowledge about so many subjects was vast, but he always had a willingness to adapt and grow, even late into his career. While he was personable and kind, make no mistake, Roy was lethal in the courtroom and adversaries proceeded at their peril if they thought they were in for anything other than the courtroom fight of their lives.
Outside of the courtroom, Roy was as engaging and charismatic as he was in the well of the court. Hearing him tell stories of past cases was like attending a masterclass in trial strategy, human behavior, and empathy. There was an integrity to him that made it clear not only that he cared deeply about every single one of his clients, but about people in general.
Roy’s final jury trial was the acquittal of Amin Khoury in the Varsity Blues case, in federal court in Boston. The government had an unbroken win streak in 53 cases, until they encountered Roy Black. It was the only defeat suffered by the government. At the time, nobody knew it would be his last jury trial. Roy’s first jury trial as a young public defender, a murder case, also ended in an acquittal. We are so proud that Roy finished his career as a trial lawyer the same way it started - with a win.
Working with Roy Black was the honor of a lifetime for all of us at DRC and for me personally. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our pursuit of justice and excellence. We express our deepest heartfelt condolences to Roy’s wife, Lea, his son, RJ, his daughter Nora, and the entire Black Srebnick Law Firm. Goodbye Roy. Thank you for teaching us just a little of what you knew and letting us stand next to you. We love you, we thank you, and we already miss you so much. Rest easy my friend.
Josh Dubin