Roy Black, Star Attorney for Epstein and Celebrities, Dies at 80

Roy Black, a prominent defense attorney known for his work on high-profile cases, has died at the age of 80.

Roy Black passed away on Monday at his home in Coral Gables, Florida, after battling an undisclosed illness. His law partner, Howard Srebnick, confirmed the death to The Miami Herald, describing Black as “the greatest criminal lawyer of our generation, perhaps in American history.”

Over a career spanning five decades, Black gained national recognition for his work on numerous high-profile cases. Perhaps most notably, he secured an acquittal in the 1991 rape trial of William Kennedy Smith, a nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy. This trial, broadcast live on national television, brought Black into the public eye.

The significance becomes clear when we consider Mr. Black’s other notable clients. These included actor Kelsey Grammer and financier Jeffrey Epstein. In the Epstein case, Black negotiated a controversial plea deal in 2008 that has since been the subject of legal scrutiny.

Black’s passing marks the end of an era in criminal defense. His approach to high-stakes litigation and his media presence shaped public perceptions of the legal profession for decades.

Both sides of this issue present compelling arguments. While some hail Roy Black as a champion of due process, others criticize his role in cases like the Epstein plea deal. The evidence suggests that his legacy will be subject to continued debate among legal scholars and the public alike.

Black is survived by his wife, Lea, and their two children.