The very sad news reached us this morning that one of the giants of our profession- Mel Black - has passed away.
You were not a criminal defense attorney in South Florida for the past nearly sixty years (Mel was a lawyer for 58 years!) without crossing paths with Mel Black. And when you did you came away thinking that he was both as good a lawyer as it gets, and a true gentleman. He was from the generation where a lawyer's word was his bond. He was a lawyer's lawyer- the person you went to with a question or problem - and he always had time for you.
When you tried a case with him on your side you had no worries. It was like walking into a schoolyard fight with your big brother who knew karate. Just wait until the other side saw him in action! And he was just great to work with and watch prepare a case.
Mel was a mentor to young lawyers; admired by all of his colleagues, and a gentleman to all whom crossed his path. The word often used to describe him is mensch. We believe he spent part of his later years on his sailboat sailing the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. He enjoyed life and that was always evident when you spoke with him.
We have lost yet another giant in our profession. We will not soon see his likes again.
I had cases with Mel as the defense attorney. The cases were horrible, but Mel always handled them with grace and good advocacy for his clients. He was truly a great person. I’m so sad for his family.
ReplyDeleteI tried a federal multi defendant case with him many years ago, he truly was a great mentor, had no ego and always willing to help. When he spoke, the judges listened. RIP to a true gentleman
ReplyDeleteRIP Mel he was a great man. Better than any current “win at all cost” ASA’s
ReplyDeleteShocking. My heart is broken. Sincere condolences to Joanie and his children. Hard to think of a kinder, more humble , more honorable human being. Many wonderful memories. He had a life well lived. He suffered during trials because he cared so much about his clients.
ReplyDeleteMel was a stand up guy. I’m going to miss him very much.
ReplyDeleteIt’s sad. So many of our Justice heroes are in their 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
ReplyDeleteTell your legends now what they mean to you and the system as they too will be gone way too soon.
Most don’t understand how fast life goes by.
I watched him conduct cross examinations in the Bobby Fijnje case that were a master class. Mel was an outstanding attorney.
ReplyDeleteI watched him conduct cross examinations in the Bobby Fijnje case that were a masters class. Mel was an outstanding attorney
ReplyDeleteMel was a terrific lawyer and a wonderful guy. I had the pleasure of trying several cases with him. Most memorable was a federal bribery case in Key West before Judge King. Mel represented then Mayor Dennis Wardlow and I represented then attorney John Bigler. The acquittals in that case were largely due to Mel’s great lawyering. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThese comments are just scratching the surface of the lawyer Mel was. And the common thread is that he was a kind and decent and generous man as well. Thank you for contributing your memories.
ReplyDeleteMel was ethical.
ReplyDeleteAll of these comments on spot on. Mel was the person who inspired me to go to law school inspired me to start my career as a public service lawyer. He was simply someone that I tried to emulate in as many ways as possible. He was agreat and humble lawyer who never let success and accolades jade his view of the world.
ReplyDeleteI loved him dearly and will miss him as much.
I met Mel three years ago and instantly became friends. He has an innocent client who is incarcerated, and he needed a parole specialist. Mel and I worked together for the past three years. He drove up to Maitland and we had dinner together, preparing for a hearing. We located exculpatory evidence, and just this past week, we planned the strategy. He was a genius and a legend. I will miss him. God blessed me with meeting Mel.
ReplyDeleteI have been a friend of Mel Black since elementary school. We lived a few blocks away from each other and did all the things kids did, rode bikes, basket ball, swimming, sailing in Biscayne Bay,] all under the watchful eyes of loving parents and in a safe world.
ReplyDeleteI am wounded by Mel's loss.
Please post when and if any memorial services are planned.
ReplyDeleteMel was truly one of a kind. Thoughtful, fair, always ready to help, and an incredible great lawyer. He helped me in one if not the most challenging time in my life and I will forever be grateful. A friend lost is a piece of your heart broken forever. I shall always treasure his memory. He will not be forgotten. Rest in peace dear friend. Marta A.
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