Ricky K. Patel
American lawyer and philanthropist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
Ricky K. Patel | |
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| Born | 4 May 1982 |
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| Website | rickykpatel |
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
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]