01
BP oil spill
Represented more than 3,500 corporate victims affected by a major environmental disaster, including municipalities, government agencies, tourism businesses, and hotels.
STU SpotlightTime is of the essence.
Ricky K.
Patel
Litigation attorney in Miami. Counsel on complex disputes, crisis matters, mass torts, and the hospitality industry.
01Profile
Built for consequential matters.
Ricky K. Patel is a Miami trial attorney — formerly Of Counsel at Akerman LLP — advising clients in complex state and federal litigation, crisis management, mass torts, arbitration, and hospitality disputes.
He joined Akerman in November 2022 after serving at Farrell & Patel. His practice combines courtroom advocacy with discreet counsel for high-profile individuals, businesses, and public entities.
02Selected matters
High stakes.
Quiet command.
A public record spanning mass claims, product liability, criminal defense, insurance disputes, and crisis-sensitive representation.
02
International product-liability class action
Successfully settled a class action against one of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers.
STU Spotlight03
Dalvin Cook defense
Defense counsel in the 2015 criminal matter that ended in a not-guilty verdict on a misdemeanor battery charge.
Sporting News04
Hurricane Maria
Represented the Puerto Rican government in property-damage insurance disputes and worked on Bill 1645, legislation addressing insurer bad faith.
STU Spotlight05
Warren Sapp
Represented the Hall of Fame NFL player in a 2020 lawsuit in which the accuser’s lawyer was ordered to pay Sapp’s legal fees.
Page Six06
Key West parasailing wrongful death
Represented the family in a 2023 wrongful-death matter and discussed the case on Good Morning America.
Good Morning America03Impact
Leadership measured in service.
Patel’s civic work concentrates on children, education, health, and stronger community relationships.
ITS4THEKIDS
Founder and chairman since its 2013 founding. The foundation supports children facing health and wellbeing challenges, including foster-youth duffle bags and food relief for Haitian orphanages.
ITS4THEKIDSBridge The Gap
Created in summer 2020 through ITS4THEKIDS to help Miami police officers deliver needed items in underserved communities and strengthen police-community relations.
ITS4THEKIDSNicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation
Past chairman of the Board of Trustees and current board member.
Hospital NewsMake-A-Wish Southern Florida
Vice Chairman of the Board. Appointed to the Board of Directors effective September 9, 2025, and now serving as Vice Chairman, helping lead the chapter that grants life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses across Southern Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Make-A-Wish boardSt. Thomas University College of Law
Vice chairman of the board of advisors, co-founder of STU Law Young Alumni, and founder of the Pay It Forward Scholarship in 2020.
STU SpotlightGracious Hands Orphanage
Co-founded in Gressier, Haiti, in 2016. Patel serves as president and guardian to 42 children.
STU SpotlightOver $2.5 millionDonated since 2010 through his family foundation, ITS4THEKIDS, and to organizations including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Gracious Hands Orphanage, Say So Foster Homes, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation, St. Thomas University College of Law, and many more.Source trail
04
Authorship
Florida Environmental Law, 2027 Edition (LexisNexis), by Ricky K. Patel and Tarlika Nunez-Navarro. A comprehensive guide to Florida environmental law from leading authorities in the field, used in Florida law schools.
LexisNexisThe Beautiful Caterpillar (2020), co-written with his daughter Maya and published by ITS4THEKIDS, LLC, is a children’s book centered on self-worth and avoiding predatory behavior.
Publications05
Ventures
- Fort DeviceCreator of the Intelligent Smoke Detector System; U.S. patent recipient, 2017. fortdevice.com
- RKP VenturesA Florida LLC with a 2026 annual report on file.
- The Spot BarbershopBarbershop with a Merrick Park location. thespotbarbershop.com
- HospitalityRestaurants, bars, and hotels including Platform Sports and PARA in Charlotte, Club House and Infused in Plaza Midwood, the Cincinnatian Hotel, and Bella Surf Inn in Isabela, Puerto Rico.
Featured and quoted across national media
CNNFOX TVNBCESPNABC60 MinutesGood Morning AmericaPeople
06Speaking
From the courtroom to the stage.
2024STU College of Law CommencementCommencement speaker · Sept. 14
2024Big Law UnveiledQ&A · Jan. 25
2023National Trial Lawyers SummitThe Importance of Giving Back to Communities
2023Akerman Franchise Business Network Global Summer SummitProtect, Promote and Evolve the Brand
2018Win the Storm Conference and ExpoAdjusting Puerto Rico Claims
2011–14AAHOA Hotel ConferencesHospitality regulation, tourism & asset protection
07Recognition
A record of recognition.
2025APABA Trailblazer Award
2024STU Legal Luminary in Class Action Litigation; Honorary Doctorate
2023Forestdale Children’s Champion Award
2018Little Lighthouse Foundation Philanthropist of the Year
2014National Trial Lawyers Top 100
2013South Florida Business Journal 40 Under 40
2013Brioni & Neiman Marcus Man of the Year
2012AAHOA Chairman’s Award for Leadership and Ongoing Services
2017U.S. patent recipient, Intelligent Smoke Detector System
Connect
For consequential work.
Professional, speaking, philanthropic, and business inquiries.