Before graduating from the University of Miami as a double alumnus, Richard E. Gerstein already had a storied legacy as an air force navigator during World
War II. Most notably, for his service and dedication to country, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart and the Air Medal.
Returning to the University of Miami after his career in the Air Force, he received his BBA in 1947 and Juris Doctor in 1949. He retained strong links to
the School of Law, serving as the president of its alumni association in 1955.
His interest in politics started while earning his degrees at UM. He became president of Dade's Young Democrats. Gerstein's great passion for justice and
advocacy was palpable through his career upon graduation from law school, exemplified with great distinction by his work as State Attorney in Miami-Dade
County for more than 20 years from 1957 through 1978. During his six terms as State Attorney, he fought publicly and consistently against organized crime,
gambling and political corruption. He also gained national prominence in 1973 when he won the first conviction in the Watergate scandal against Bernard
Barker on money laundering charges. This pivotal conviction directly linked the White House with the 1972 burglary at the Democratic Party's headers.
Gerstein left his role as State Attorney in 1978 and entered private practice.
In recognition of his incredible legacy of service, Miami's courthouse, built in 1962, was renamed the Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building in 1992. Now
this exemplary legacy, thanks to a generous gift, will also be acknowledged at his alma mater where the Richard E. and Carole L. Gerstein Litigation Skills
Program at the School of Law will be a fitting and ever-present reminder of his life and work. This generous gift will also support the selection and
placement of Gerstein Scholars, student interns who will be placed at the Miami-Dade State Attorney's office.
Burton Young, JD '50, past President of the Florida Bar and close friend to the Gersteins, praised the establishment of the fund and expressed his deep
appreciation "to Carole for her generosity in making such a meaningful gift to memorialize the Gerstein name for Dick's iconic contributions to preserving
and protecting 'the cause of true justice' here in our United States, both as a warrior in the service of our country and as an elected State Attorney for
over 21 years here in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Yes, Richard E. Gerstein became one of our law school's legendary graduates and the Gerstein name attached
to his chosen field of law taught at the University of Miami's School of Law will serve all of us as his well-deserved recognition and honor… without
the support of and encouragement of Craig Coller, Dick and Carole's much loved nephew (and also a [1976] graduate of our law school) this might have never
happened." Craig H. Coller, JD '79, followed his uncle's path in public service and served 36 years in the Miami-Dade County Attorney's Office before
entering private practice.
The University of Miami School is most grateful to Mrs. Carole L. Gerstein for honoring her late husband's memory and preserving his legacy of service and
excellence in the legal profession by including this gift in her estate plans.
