Ricky K. Patel

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. He also served as an ambassador for the Clinton Global Initiative.

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

Patel served as a member of former President Obama's National Finance Committee. In 2017, following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, Patel represented the government in disputes with insurance companies over property damage claims. 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 authored the children’s book The Beautiful Caterpillar, alongside his daughter.

Philanthropy and community service Patel founded the ITS4THEKIDS foundation, an organization intended to benefit children in need internationally. The organization provides duffle bags filled with necessities yearly to children entering the foster care system. In 2016, Patel helped to establish the Gracious Hands Orphanage in Gressier, Haiti.

In 2020, Patel created the Pay It Forward Scholarship, an initiative intended to provide funds yearly to law students helping 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 2012 - AAHOA Chairman’s Award for Leadership and Ongoing Services