Life By Leadership | The Spotlight: Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Peter R. Lopez

The Spotlight: Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Peter R. Lopez

Welcome to this month’s Life By Leadership Spotlight! Today we have one of the good ones. The Honorable Miami Dade Judge Peter R Lopez. We’ve been following a handful of Judge Lopez’s high profile cases throughout the last handful of years. Needless to say, we’ve been super impressed with his professionalism and his fair unbiased rulings.

If there is one Miami-Dade Circuit Judge who consistently shines in the spotlight, it has to be Peter R. Lopez. A man with a passion for justice, his name alone garners admiration and respect from both lawyers and community members alike. Few have known such success as this remarkable individual, having risen through the ranks of prestigious positions before finding himself on the bench of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit. From his leadership role at Dadeland Mall in 1999 to leading judicial reforms, Judge Lopez has earned accolades—not just within local legal circles but also nationally—for his dedication to getting things done right and fair. In this piece, we will explore some of the many accomplishments that have made him stand out among peers as well as why he remains an integral part of Miami’s legal system today! So who exactly is Judge Peter Lopez? Glad you asked!

Meet Judge Lopez – a seasoned 11th Circuit Court Judge who has presided over countless cases in both the civil and criminal divisions with unmatched expertise. With a vast repertoire including 1st degree capital murder cases, robberies, public corruption, medical malpractice, maritime/Jones Act, personal injury, and complex commercial/business litigation, Judge Lopez’s experience is unparalleled. Before taking the bench, he was a successful sole practitioner with a general practice that included civil, family, and real estate law. But it’s not just his legal chops that have earned him recognition – Judge Lopez is also a member of the Education Committee and Teaching Faculty of Conference of Circuit Judges, as well as the Commission on Trial Court Performance and Accountability. As a recent recipient of both the League of Prosecutors’ Justice Award and the Miami-Dade Justice Association’s Judge Steve Levin Award, Judge Lopez has proved to be an exceptional member of the legal community. But his passion doesn’t stop there – he also teaches Trial Advocacy Practice. If you’re in need of a justice warrior, Judge Lopez is the one you want in your corner.

“Through it all, Judge Peter R. Lopez shines as an example of integrity and commitment for us all, setting a high bar for public service in Miami-Dade County. We are proud of his accomplishments – thank you, Judge Lopez!”

Judge Peter R. Lopez has served on the Miami-Dade Circuit Court for nearly a decade, after being appointed by Governor Charlie Crist in 2009. During his tenure on the bench, Judge Lopez has distinguished himself as an outstanding jurist and dedicated public servant. His experience includes presiding over civil and criminal case in state court; hearing juvenile matters; ruling on family law issues; and handling other matters as assigned. He is also well known for his commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in every courtroom he presides over. In addition to his judicial career, Judge Lopez has been actively involved with several professional organizations such as the Florida Association of Judges Inc., The National Conference of Latino Judges of Florida, and The National Bar Association’s Judicial Task Force. His commitment to furthering excellence in the legal profession has earned him numerous awards and recognitions, including being named a “Super Lawyer” by Miami Magazine. Judge Lopez is also known for his volunteer work with many civic and charitable organizations throughout South Florida. He is dedicated to making a difference in the community beyond the courtroom and is an inspiration to us all.

When it comes to justice, Judge Peter R. Lopez stands out as one of Miami-Dade County’s most exemplary public servants. With nearly a decade of experience on the bench, he has been recognized for his tireless dedication to upholding fairness and justice in every courtroom he presides over. Judge Lopez is also committed to furthering professional excellence, and has been involved with various legal organizations across the country, earning several accolades in the process. Adding to his dedication to justice and professionalism, he is also a renowned philanthropist who volunteers with numerous civic and charitable endeavors throughout South Florida.å

You may also remember Judge Lopez as the Miami judge who seals high-profile defamation suit filed after state dropped child sex abuse case against Josef Opdeweegh.

As can be seen, Judge Peter R. Lopez has distinguished himself as one of Miami-Dade Circuit Court’s most outstanding jurists and public servants. For nearly a decade, he has persevered in upholding fairness and justice with unwavering expertise. Judge Lopez is an active member of various prestigious legal organizations and has received numerous awards such as being named a “Super Lawyer” by Miami Magazine. His philanthropic endeavors benefit countless individuals throughout South Florida, earning him even more recognition. Additionally, Judge Lopez sealed the high-profile defamation suit filed after state dropped child sex abuse case against Josef Opdeweegh – an event that earned him worldwide praise for his commitment to justice. He continues to mentor rising attorneys and spread awareness about the importance of civics programs among youth in low-income communities; his countless contributions prove that Judge Peter R. Lopez consistently goes above and beyond – from providing leadership in the courtroom to advocating for those without a voice.

Summary of our Spotlight Judge of the Month

  • Judge Peter R. Lopez has served on the Miami-Dade Circuit Court for nearly a decade, having been appointed by Governor Charlie Crist in 2009.
  • During his time presiding over civil and criminal cases, Judge Lopez has upheld fairness and justice with unparalleled expertise.
  • He is an active member of various legal organizations such as The National Conference of Latino Judges of Florida, The National Bar Association’s Judicial Task Force, and more.
  • Judge Lopez’s dedication to professional excellence has earned him numerous awards and recognitions including being named a “Super Lawyer” by Miami Magazine.
  • He is also a renowned philanthropist who volunteers with civic and charitable endeavors throughout South Florida.
  • Judge Lopez earned further recognition for sealing the high-profile defamation suit filed after state dropped child sex abuse case against Josef Opdeweegh.