Deaths, Suicide

Powerhouse Litigator Found Dead In His Home In Suspected Suicide

He was a community leader and legend of the plaintiffs' bar.

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crime scene tape houseToday brings us some very sad news from South Florida. One of the state’s top civil litigators was found dead in his home on Thursday, and according to authorities, his passing is being investigated by police as a suicide.

Ervin Gonzalez, a graduate of the University of Miami Law School, was a partner at Colson Hicks Eidson, where he played substantive roles in a number of high-profile cases, including but not limited to the BP oil spill class-action and the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation. At the time of his death, Gonzalez had accumulated 33 verdicts of at least $1 million, many of them in the top verdicts in America. Gonzalez was also a leader in the legal community, having served as a member of the Florida Bar’s board of governors as well as its executive committee.

Dean C. Colson of Colson Hicks Eidson released this statement to the Southern District of Florida Blog after discovering that Gonzalez had passed:

Ervin A. Gonzalez

Ervin A. Gonzalez

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Ervin A. Gonzalez, our beloved partner, friend and role model. Words cannot convey our grief, admiration, or affection for this pillar of our community. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Janice and his family and friends during this unfathomable time. A caring, warm, brilliant and masterful trial attorney, he set the standard for the profession in his compassion and vigorous advocacy for those who suffered grievances and injustices at the hands of others. He will be remembered for his intellect, skill and ability to befriend and defend the rights of people from all walks of life with a zest and dedication that was unrivaled. Ervin’s passing reminds all of us that mental illness can strike anyone regardless of how accomplished or content they might appear. Like the Ervin we all knew and loved, he valiantly fought this personal challenge with unmatched effort. He simply was unable to win his hardest and final trial. It pains us to know he was suffering so terribly beyond his control.

We here at Above the Law would like to extend our thoughts and sympathies to Ervin Gonzalez’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

If you’re depressed and in need of help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or a lawyer assistance program in your state. Remember that you are loved, so please reach out if you need assistance, before it’s too late. Don’t become a statistic — seek help. Please stay with us.

Noted South Florida Litigator Ervin Gonzalez Dies at 57 [Daily Business Review]
RIP Ervin Gonzalez (UPDATED) [Southern District of Florida Blog]
Top Miami civil lawyer Ervin Gonzalez found dead at his home [Miami Herald]

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Staci ZaretskyStaci Zaretsky has been an editor at Above the Law since 2011. She’d love to hear from you, so please feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments. You can follow her on Twitter or connect with her on LinkedIn.

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