The South Florida legal community is mourning the loss of two of its most esteemed figures, Robert “Bob” Josefsberg and Roy Black, both of whom passed away this month. Their departures mark a significant shift in the region’s legal leadership.
Robert C. Josefsberg, a distinguished trial lawyer, passed away at the age of 86. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Josefsberg earned his B.A. from Dartmouth College in 1959 and graduated from Yale Law School in 1962. Admitted to the Florida Bar that same year, he quickly became one of Dade County’s premier trial lawyers. His accolades include being listed annually since 1987 in The Best Lawyers in America in both Business Litigation and Criminal Law categories. In 2006, he was recognized as the number one trial lawyer in Florida by Super Lawyers. Josefsberg was also honored with the Dade County Bar’s David Dyer Professionalism Award and the Florida Bar Foundation’s Medal of Honor Award in 2013. His commitment to professionalism and mentorship left an indelible mark on the Miami legal community. ([sdfla.blogspot.com](https://sdfla.blogspot.com/2025/07/rip-bob-josefsberg.html?utm_source=openai))
Roy Black, another towering figure in the legal arena, passed away at his home in Coral Gables at the age of 80. A New York native, Black moved to South Florida to attend the University of Miami, where he completed both his undergraduate and law degrees. He began his career as a public defender before co-founding the firm Black Srebnick. Black gained national prominence in 1991 when he secured the acquittal of William Kennedy Smith on rape charges in Palm Beach, a trial that was broadcast nationwide. Over his five-decade career, he represented a roster of high-profile clients, including pop artist Justin Bieber, radio personality Rush Limbaugh, and IndyCar driver Hélio Castroneves. Known for his courtroom mastery and dedication to justice, Black was also a longtime legal educator, teaching advanced criminal evidence at the University of Miami School of Law since 1973. ([wsvn.com](https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/miami-civil-and-criminal-defense-attorney-roy-black-dies-at-80-in-coral-gables/?utm_source=openai))
The passing of these two legal titans within such a short span has left a void in the South Florida legal community. Their legacies of excellence, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to justice will continue to inspire future generations of attorneys in the region.