Peter D. Russin
How Judge Russin rules, drawn from 16 signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
About Judge Russin
Peter D. Russin has served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Florida since August 2020. Before joining the bench, he co-founded a Miami law firm focused on commercial litigation and bankruptcy and represented debtors, lenders, creditors, and trustees.
Judge Russin's practices and standing orders
Rules for cases before Judge Russin, as published on the court's website (checked October 10, 2026). Judges revise these often, so confirm the current version on the court's site before you file.
Key rules
Motions
For a settled matter that needs no Rule 9019 motion, contact the courtroom deputy to remove it from the calendar by 4:30 p.m. the prior business day.
“If a matter has been settled and does not require a Rule 9019 motion, contact Courtroom Deputy Melva Weldon to remove it from the calendar by 4:30 p.m. the business day before the hearing”
Conferences
Remote appearance outside the listed exceptions requires leave by motion filed at least two business days before the hearing.
“In all other circumstances, you may appear remotely only with Court leave, shown by motion under Local Rule 9013-2, filed no later than : i. two business days before the hearing;”
Conferences
Remote participants must register by 4:30 p.m. one business day before the hearing, or one hour before an emergency hearing.
“Register by 4:30 p.m. one business day before the hearing (or at least one hour before an emergency hearing).”
Standing orders for every case in this court
Orders the court applies to all of its cases, whichever judge has them, as published on the court's website (checked October 10, 2026).
How Judge Russin decides
Patterns drawn from this judge's own signed orders. Every observation links to the order it came from.
What persuades
A practical outcome cannot substitute for authority when procedural rules have not yet adapted to new technology.
“But courts cannot rewrite the rules to suit facts. If change is needed, it must come from the rule makers, not from this Court.”
In Stetler’s malpractice suit, he granted remand because the asserted duties and advice predated the bankruptcy and the suit would not affect estate assets or prior bankruptcy orders.
“Plaintiff's malpractice claim traces to legal advice given years before the bankruptcy was filed; the bankruptcy may have revealed the alleged wrong but did not create it.”
Procedural preferences
Estate professionals must make complete connection disclosures at the outset, even when a later correction avoids disqualification.
“Disclosures under Rule 2014 are not mere formalities. They are the starting point of the Court’s gatekeeping function and essential to maintaining the trust of creditors and the integrity of the process.”
Cautions
Personal declarations of sovereignty do not displace federal jurisdiction or ordinary litigation obligations.
“The courtroom is not a sovereign forum. It is a constitutional one. Participation in federal court entails compliance with federal law.”
In the Vital Pharmaceuticals bankruptcy, he denied proposed class treatment of small consumer claims because the record showed that even proven individual claims could not yield recoveries above the distribution threshold.
“The distribution threshold makes individual recoveries impossible even if proven.”
Signed rulings
A grounded sample of orders signed by this judge, with the verbatim dispositive language.
“A litigant of course cannot unilaterally impose fines on opposing parties and the Court, and the Motion is denied as frivolous.”
“The Trustee’s Motion is granted, and the Court has issued an order directing turnover and authorizing liquidation.”
“The motion is denied as frivolous.”
“Accordingly, the motion to remove the Trustee is denied.”
“The motion is therefore denied without prejudice, with leave to refile upon a showing of legitimate need, such as a verified medical or logistical hardship.”
“The motion is denied in its entirety.”
“The DIP Financing Motion is GRANTED.”
“The Bidding Procedures Motion is GRANTED.”
“The Motion to Disqualify Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A. is DENIED.”
“The Recusal Motions are DENIED.”
“The Disqualification Motion is DENIED.”
“The Motion to Vacate is DENIED.”
“For the reasons stated, Trustee’s Motion to Strike (Doc. 297) is hereby GRANTED.”
“Accordingly, the Court ORDERS that the Sanctions Motion (Doc. 79) is DENIED.”
“The Motion (Doc. 392) is GRANTED IN PART.”
“Rivera’s Motion to Vacate Discharge (Doc. 247) and Amended Motion to Value and Determine Secured Status of Lien (Doc. 289) are DENIED.”
“The Motion to Dismiss (Doc. 43) is GRANTED. This case is hereby dismissed for cause under 11 U.S.C. § 707(a).”
“The Motion to Continue or Retain Jurisdiction (Doc. 116) is DENIED.”
“The Motion is GRANTED IN-PART.”
“The Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 55) is GRANTED.”
“The Defendant’s Motion for Summary Judgment (Doc. 62) is DENIED.”
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Ezel grounds your drafting and research in this profile: what has persuaded Judge Russin, and what has not, cited to the signed orders.
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