Ricky K. Patel

Ricky K. Patel
Born (1982-05-04) 4 May 1982
Alma mater
Occupations
  • Attorney
  • philanthropist
Websiterickykpatel.com

Ricky Patel (born May 4, 1982) is an American lawyer and philanthropist. He is an attorney at law serving as Of Counsel with Akerman LLP in Miami. He authored the book The Beautiful Caterpillar, which he wrote with his daughter. Patel was the a member former President Barack Obama's National Finance Committee, being the youngest person to be appointed.

Early life and education

Patel was born on May 4, 1982. He attended Florida State University in 2003, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on genocide prevention in 2006.[1] He also served as an ambassador for the Clinton Global Initiative.[1] He subsequently went to St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree in 2009.[1]

Career

After graduating from law school, Patel joined the Farrell & Patel law firm.[1] As of 2022, he is an attorney at law serving as Of Counsel with Akerman LLP in Miami.[2]

Since 2011, Patel has been recognized nationally for handling of extortion and sensitive matter cases for celebrities, athletes and high net worth individuals.[3]

Patel served as a member of former President Obama's National Finance Committee.[1] He also served as an ambassador for the Clinton Global Initiative.[1]

  • In 2010's BP oil spill case, Patel and his firm represented individuals and businesses involved, including government municipalities.[1]
  • In 2015, Patel served as defense counsel for American football player Dalvin Cook in a criminal case, in which Cook was found not guilty.[4][5]
  • In 2017, following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Patel represented the government in disputes with insurance companies over property damage claims.[1] 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.[1]
  • In 2020, Patel represented Hall of Fame NFL football player Warren Sapp in a lawsuit.[6]
  • In 2023, Patel was interviewed by Good Morning America regarding his representation in a wrongful death case involving a parasailing accident in Key West.[7]

Authorship and published works

Patel authored the children’s book The Beautiful Caterpillar, alongside his daughter.[8][9]

Philanthropy and community service

Patel founded the ITS4THEKIDS foundation, an organization intended to benefit children in need internationally.[10][11] The organization provides duffle bags filled with necessities yearly to children entering the foster care system.[12] In 2016, Patel helped to establish the Gracious Hands Orphanage in Gressier, Haiti.[1][13]

In 2020, Patel created the Pay It Forward Scholarship, an initiative intended to provide funds yearly to law students helping those in need.[1][14] As of 2025, Patel serves on the Board of Directors of Make-A-Wish Southern Florida.[15]

Awards and recognitions

  • 2025 - Honored With Trailblazer Award by APABA.[16]
  • 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[1]
  • 2013 - Recognized as 40 Under 40 by South Florida Business Journal[20]
  • 2012 - AAHOA Chairman’s Award for Leadership and Ongoing Services[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Ricky Patel, '09 - 60th Anniversary Gala Alumni Spotlight". St. Thomas University. January 27, 2023. Archived from the original on June 17, 2026. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  2. ↑ Lugo, Alexander (November 14, 2022). "Akerman Eyes Expansion of Hospitality Litigation Arm in Miami With New Hire". Law.com. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  3. ↑ Sonnone, Brendan (April 6, 2019). "FSU running back Dalvin Cook's arraignment date moved back to Sept. 2". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  4. ↑ Brzezinski, Alec (July 14, 2015). "Attorney: Suspended Florida State RB Dalvin Cook did not strike woman". The Sporting News. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Jury finds FSU's Dalvin Cook not guilty of misdemeanor battery". Miami Herald. August 24, 2015. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  6. ↑ Siegler, Mara (August 31, 2020). "Warren Sapp accuser's lawyer ordered to pay former NFL star's legal fees". Page Six. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  7. ↑ Yamada, Haley (June 8, 2023). "Husband of woman killed while parasailing shares warning to other families". Good Morning America. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  8. ↑ "Daddy & Daughter Release Children's Book to Help Girls Avoid Predatory Behavior and Know their Self-Worth". Marketers Media. April 29, 2020. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  9. ↑ Patel, Ricky K.; Patel, Maya (2020). The Beautiful Caterpillar. ITS4THEKIDS. ASIN B087N2NHRB. ISBN 978-1734960303.
  10. ↑ "Its4TheKids Hosts 'Drums of Hope' to Provide 140,000 Servings of Nourishing Foods to Children's Orphanage in Haiti". Miami's Community News. August 10, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  11. ↑ "National non-profit spends weekend packing supplies for San Antonio-area foster children". KENS 5. August 28, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  12. ↑ Tompkins, Meilin (June 3, 2022). "This organization is giving duffle bags to foster kids in NC". WCNC Charlotte. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Help for Haiti: Volunteers in Doral fill drum-sized barrels with food to be sent to orphanages". 7 News Miami. August 7, 2021. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Philanthropist Ricky Patel Announces New Initiative: Pays Law Students to Give Back". Marketers Media Newsroom. May 20, 2020. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  15. ↑ "Board of Directors". Make-A-Wish. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Ricky Patel Honored by APABA With 2025 Trailblazer Award". Akerman.com. May 16, 2025. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
  17. ↑ Graff, Brett (February 8, 2021). "Ricky Patel Honored by St. Thomas College". Social Miami. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Patel honored with St. Thomas Black Law Student Association MLK Award". The Florida Bar. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Ricky K. Patel Of Counsel, Litigation Miami". akerman. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
  20. ↑ O’Loughlin, Tom (June 21, 2013). "40 Under 40 Honorees: O-R". South Florida Business Journal. Retrieved May 15, 2025.


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