Ricky K. Patel
Ricky K. Patel | |
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| Born | 4 May 1982 |
| Alma mater | |
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| Website | rickykpatel |
Ricky Patel (born May 4, 1982) is an American lawyer and philanthropist.[1] He is an attorney at law serving as Of Counsel with Akerman LLP in Miami.[1]
Patel was the youngest person appointed to Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee.[2] He also served as an ambassador for the Clinton Global Initiative.[2]
Early life and education
Patel was born on May 4, 1982. He attended Florida State University in 2003, receiving a BA degree with a focus on genocide prevention in 2006.[2] He subsequently went to St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 2009.[2]
Career
After graduating from law school, Patel joined the Farrell & Patel law firm.[2] He is currently an attorney at law serving as Of Counsel with Akerman LLP in Miami.[1]
Since 2011, Patel has been recognized nationally for his ability to handle extortion and sensitive matter cases for celebrities, athletes and ultra-high net worth individuals.[3]
Patel served as a member of Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee.[2] He also served as an ambassador for the Clinton Global Initiative.[2]
Notable legal representations
- In 2010’s BP oil spill case, Patel and his firm represented individuals and businesses involved, including government municipalities.[2]
- In 2015, Patel served as defense counsel for American football player Dalvin Cook in a criminal case that concluded with a jury verdict of not guilty.[4]
- In 2017, following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Patel represented the government in disputes with insurance companies over property damage claims.[2] He was involved in the development of Bill 1645, legislation aimed at providing protections for Puerto Rican residents against insurance companies acting in bad faith.[2]
- In 2020, Patel represented Hall of Fame NFL football player Warren Sapp in a lawsuit securing a victory for him.[5]
- In 2023, Patel was interviewed by Good Morning America regarding his representation in a wrongful death case involving a parasailing accident in Key West.[6]
Authorship and published works
Patel is the author of LA BELLA ORUGA.[7] He also published a children’s book titled The Beautiful Caterpillar, which he co-authored with his daughter.[8][9]
Philanthropy and community service
Patel founded the ITS4THEKIDS foundation to benefit children in need both nationally and internationally.[10][11] Patel provides duffle bags filled with necessities yearly to children entering the foster care system.[12]
In 2016, Patel helped to establish Gracious Hands Orphanage in Gressier, Haiti.[2][13]
In 2020, Patel launched the Pay It Forward Scholarship, which provides funds yearly to law students who have established a social program that helps those in need.[14]
Patel serves on the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida.[15]
Awards and recognitions
- 2024 - Recognized as a Legal Luminary for Class Action Litigation by St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law[17]
- 2021 - STU Law School, Martin Luther King Award[18][19]
- 2018 - Philanthropist of the Year by Little Lighthouse Foundation[2]
- 2013 - Recognized as 40 Under 40 by South Florida Business Journal[20]
- 2012 - AAHOA Chairman’s Award for Leadership and Ongoing Services[2]
References
- ^ a b c Alexander Lugo,"Akerman Eyes Expansion of Hospitality Litigation Arm in Miami With New Hire". law.com. 14 November 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Ricky Patel, '09 - 60th Anniversary Gala Alumni Spotlight". stu.edu. 27 January 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ Brendan Sonnone,"FSU running back Dalvin Cook's arraignment date moved back to Sept. 2". orlandosentinel.com. 6 April 2019. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ Alec Brzezinski,"Attorney: Suspended Florida State RB Dalvin Cook did not strike woman". sportingnews.com. 14 July 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ Mara Siegler,"Warren Sapp accuser's lawyer ordered to pay former NFL star's legal fees". pagesix.com. 31 August 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ Haley Yamada, "Husband of woman killed while parasailing shares warning to other families". goodmorningamerica.com. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ "LA BELLA ORUGA (Spanish Edition)". amazon.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "Daddy & Daughter Release Children's Book to Help Girls Avoid Predatory Behavior and Know their Self-Worth". news.marketersmedia.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "The Beautiful Caterpillar". amazon.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "Its4TheKids Hosts 'Drums of Hope' to Provide 140,000 Servings of Nourishing Foods to Children's Orphanage in Haiti". communitynewspapers.com. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ "National non-profit spends weekend packing supplies for San Antonio-area foster children". kens5.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ Meilin Tompkins,"This organization is giving duffle bags to foster kids in NC". wcnc.com. 3 June 2022. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ "Help for Haiti: Volunteers in Doral fill drum-sized barrels with food to be sent to orphanages". wsvn.com. 7 August 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ "Philanthropist Ricky Patel Announces New Initiative: Pays Law Students to Give Back". news.marketersmedia.com. 20 May 2020. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ "Board of Directors". wish.org. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ "Ricky Patel Honored by APABA With 2025 Trailblazer Award". akerman.com. 16 May 2025. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
- ^ Brett Graff,"Ricky Patel Honored by St. Thomas College". socialmiami.com. 8 February 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2025.
- ^ "atel honored with St. Thomas Black Law Student Association MLK Award". floridabar.org. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ "Ricky K. Patel Of Counsel, Litigation Miami". akerman.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ "40 Under 40 Honorees: O-R". bizjournals.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.