Ricky K. Patel
Ricky Patel is an American lawyer and philanthropist. He is an attorney at law serving as Of Counsel with Akerman LLP in Miami.
Patel was the youngest person appointed to Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee. He also served as an ambassador for the Clinton Global Initiative.
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. He subsequently went to St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 2009.Career
After graduating from law school, Patel joined the Farrell & Patel law firm. He is currently an attorney at law serving as Of Counsel with Akerman LLP in Miami.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.
Patel served as a member of Barack Obama’s National Finance Committee. He also served as an ambassador for the Clinton Global Initiative.
Notable legal representations
- In 2010’s BP oil spill case, Patel and his firm represented individuals and businesses involved, including government municipalities.
- 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.
- In 2017, following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Patel represented the government in disputes with insurance companies over property damage claims. 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.
- In 2020, Patel represented Hall of Fame NFL football player Warren Sapp in a lawsuit securing a victory for him.
- In 2023, Patel was interviewed by Good Morning America regarding his representation in a wrongful death case involving a parasailing accident in Key West.
Authorship and published works
Patel is the author of LA BELLA ORUGA. He also published a children’s book titled The Beautiful Caterpillar, which he co-authored with his daughter.Philanthropy and community service
Patel founded the ITS4THEKIDS foundation to benefit children in need both nationally and internationally. Patel provides duffle bags filled with necessities yearly to children entering the foster care system.In 2016, Patel helped to establish Gracious Hands Orphanage in Gressier, Haiti.
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.
Patel serves on the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish® Southern Florida.
Awards and recognitions
- 2025 - Honored With Trailblazer Award by APABA.
- 2024 - Recognized as a Legal Luminary for Class Action Litigation by St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law
- 2021 - STU Law School, Martin Luther King Award
- 2018 - Philanthropist of the Year by Little Lighthouse Foundation
- 2013 - Recognized as 40 Under 40 by South Florida Business Journal
- 2012 - AAHOA Chairman’s Award for Leadership and Ongoing Services