ERVIN A. GONZALEZ

GONZALEZ,ERVIN A. 57, beloved husband, friend, role model, and pillar of the community, passed away on Thursday, June 8, 2017. A brilliant and masterful trial attorney, Ervin is survived by the love of his life, his wife Janice, and his loving family, including Summer, Zuzu, Hammer and Duke. The son of Cuban Exiles, Ervin was born in Miami and attended La Salle High School where he excelled in both sports and academics, earning a place in the school's hall of fame. He graduated summa cum laude from St. Thomas University in 1982 and obtained his juris doctorate, cum laude, from the University of Miami School of Law in 1985. In 2000, he joined the law firm of Colson Hicks Eidson where he gained national prominence, trying some the most pivotal cases in the country. Throughout his career, he obtained 33 multi-million dollar verdicts, many of which have led to important regulation and industry changes. He was selected to serve on the Plaintiff Steering Committee for both the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill and Chinese Drywall playing a key leadership role in the litigation of both cases, ultimately leading to multiple multi-million dollar and multi- billion dollar settlements. Among many of his notable cases was a $100 million class action settlement for the desecration of graves in a Jewish cemetery. Committed to furthering his profession, Ervin served as governor of The Florida Bar, president of the Dade County Bar Association, president of the Dade County Trial Lawyers Association, a member of the National Board of Trustees of The National Institute of Trial Advocacy, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University Of Miami School Of Law where he enjoyed mentoring young law students. Ervin was proud to have been honored as one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the Nation by Hispanic Business Magazine. As one of the nation's premier trial attorneys, 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 was a consummate Floridian, whether boating on Biscayne Bay, rooting for the Miami Marlins, or taking long trail rides on horseback through the Redlands. While he loved the outdoors, what brought him most joy was being alongside his high school sweetheart and adoring wife of nearly 30 years Janice. A dedicated husband, a thoughtful friend, and a trusted colleague, Ervin will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.A viewing will be held Monday from 7-9 p.m. at Vior Funeral Home, 291 NW 37th Avenue in Miami followed by a mass on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of The Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail in Coral Gables.