He was the best dressed lawyer in the REGJB and probably Miami. Immaculate suit that cost more than our monthly income when we started out. Not a hair out of place. A Louis Vuitton briefcase. Alligator or snake skinned boots. Always tan. A million dollar smile and cold defense attorney eyes.
And he handled big cases. He was one of THE lawyers the drug defendants in the 1970s and 1980s went to see when they were in trouble. He looked the part. He acted the part. He was the part. The quintessential Miami criminal defense attorney when there was no other better place in the country to be a criminal defense attorney.
His wife -Carol Ann Guralnick was every bit a lawyer and personality as he was. She parked her Porsche in front of the REGJB every day, preferring to pay the ticket than park in the lot. She hired an interior decorator for her small state office.
They were a power couple for sure.
He was a friend and colleague and lived a hell of a life.
Rest in peace.
13 comments:
I remember seeing Ron for the first time at REGJB when I was a new ASA and being impressed with his meticulous appearance, his suit, snakeskin boots, and polished fingernails. Some years later I saw him try a murder case against the late Sally Weintraub and he impressed me even more with the caliber of his courtroom skills. He was smooth and a force to be reckoned with. I remember thinking that that particular trial was a clash of titans. We’re lucky to have had Ron as one of our local titans. Rest in peace Ron.
As a starting out poor, really poor APD in ‘81, I was awestruck by Ron and Carol. They epitomized flamboyant confidence. If I recall correctly, Carol represented the McDuffie family. And she was tragically killed after being struck by a car while walking across Dixie Hwy in the early 80’s. I also clearly remember those croc or some kind of skin boots Ron wore and that he always had a tan and a great smile…. RIP.
In his prime, Ron was a badass
I think it was Carol KING Guralnick.
Not “Ann”?
Plus, she drove a Ferrari. Do you remember how she tragically died? Do you remember her radio show with Judge Morphonios as a guest?
Ron went to the same barber as Andrew Boros. They looked like brothers?
Anyone remember Andrew Boros and any of his big Miami cases that he tried? We miss him. He was a good lawyer too.
What I remember MOST VIVIDLY about Ron was his father who often came to Ron's trials. Maybe every single one. I sometimes had coffee with them in the cafe . His father ALWAYS told the same story about how Ron was a premature baby. He'd hold out his hand and proudly say how Ron would fit in the palm of his hand and slept in a shoe box. There was a great love between the two of them. I most admire Ron for how good he was to his dad. Carol was a tragic story. Suffice to say she was a trip and a handful and but their divorce marked the beginning of the end for her.
When Ron was trying the Pain and Gain case before Judge Ferrer, with Gail Levine as the prosecutor, he always brought his mom and his dad to court to watch him giving his excellent skilled performance. Then his dad passed away and he still brought his mom to court. How lucky they were to have a son like that. The epitome of class at a time when class seems to have disappeared starting with the highest office in the land. RIP.
Hey Rump. You are losing it. How could you not mention the license plate on his Porsche: ACQUIT.
I join in with the other folks in their comments about Ron Guralnick. Ron was a fashion model for the old Lanson clothing store that was in Dadeland back in the 70's. There motto was: " we will make you a star". Ron was a star, but also a terrific lawyer.
Someone mentioned his father. He was also a character and Ron's biggest fan. When I was running to keep my county court position in 1978, Mr Guralnick took me to the condos in North Dade where we walked the hot pool decks handing out my literature.
We just don't seem to have colorful characters in REG anymore. Ron was a friend who always had time to stop and talk or chat over a cup of coffee. He was another Hall of Fame guy in REG.
I didn't know Ron well. But I parked next to him for at least ten years at the Centrust. He was always impecably dressed. I remember his Porsche with the "Acquit" tag. But what I remember most is that he always took time to acknowledge me and offer a kind greeting.
Ron grew up in South Philadelphia, and we shared that experience in common. I met him thru Carole . We used the same bar review course. Later Carole would redecorate an asst. state attorney office into a pink and purple princess motif. The office was between Abe Larsen and myself.
Ron was the consummate cocaine cowboy defense attorney that existed in the late 70’s and 80’s. With his alligator leather boots , he looked the part of a western gunfighter and had a legal attitude that matched. He always took the time to share his thoughts and discuss his cases. He was an impeccable dresser, but I have to say Clinton Pitts and Larry Handfield are in that category as well.My lasting vision of Ron , was on the old Doral golf course. He appeared one afternoon a vision in white. From head to toe, he looked as angelic as you could get and not a hair out of place. That’s how I wish to remember him. Rest in peace you silver haired warrior.
RIP didn’t know you, but you were gifted with your craft.
Not to take anything from Ron, but you don't think Brian Kirlew is a colorful character?!
Well said Ted and Jay
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