Miami Law mourns the passing of alumnus Martin Fine, 86, who was a prominent attorney, community activist, and low-income housing advocate. Fine, a partner at the Holland & Knight law firm, graduated from Miami Law in 1949. A scholarship in his name was established by the firm in 2012 and is awarded annually to talented second and third year Miami Law students who have a demonstrated desire to make a difference.
"Marty Fine was a superb lawyer with a deep commitment to social justice," said Dean Patricia D. White. "The scholarships named in his honor will give support to talented students who have a passion for making ours' a more equitable community."
Fine was deeply committed to the promotion of low income housing, which began with his membership and chairmanship of The City of Miami Housing Authority in 1956. He was responsible for the proposal and implementation of the legislation for the Documentary Stamp Program in the Florida Legislature which provides approximately $12 million annually for financing to low income families to become first-time homeowners in Miami-Dade County.
Fine's civic, community and charitable organization involvements included serving as a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Miami-Dade Community College; being a member of the Board of Directors of The Enterprise Foundation and former chairman of the South Florida Coordinating Council; acting as former board member and Vice Chairman of the City of Miami Downtown Development Authority; and serving on the board of the Jewish Health Services.
Among his many awards, Fine was honored by The Miami Herald with its Spirit of Excellence Award. He was also recognized with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Sand in My Shoe Award, which is given to outstanding community leaders.
Fine began supporting the School of Law with a $10 donation in 1956 and was a consistent and generous donor over the years to his alma mater.
Click here to read Martin Fine's obituary in The Miami Herald.
To make a gift to The Martin Fine Endowed Scholarship at Miami Law, click here or print out the PDF and mail the pledge card to the University of Miami School of Law.
