About Richard
Richard D. Rusak: Board Certified Admiralty & Maritime Law Attorney in Miami
Richard D. Rusak is a highly respected and accomplished trial lawyer specializing in maritime and commercial litigation. As a Partner in the Miami office of Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A. and Board Certified in Marine/Admiralty Law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Education and Specialization since 2010, Mr. Rusak brings two decades of experience to every case. He is consistently recognized as a leading authority in defending major insurance companies, ship owners, and marinas facing complex maritime disputes.
Mr. Rusak’s expertise extends far beyond traditional Admiralty matters. He is a versatile legal professional adept at handling a wide range of litigation, including hospitality defense, trucking accidents, first-party insurance litigation, property damage claims, products liability cases, wrongful death claims, and personal injury litigation. His proactive approach involves extensive document-intensive investigations and strategic discovery to develop and implement successful litigation, settlement, and trial strategies. He consistently works closely with claims specialists to achieve optimal outcomes for his clients.
A standout achievement in Mr. Rusak’s career was obtaining the highest maritime verdict in Florida in 2016, demonstrating his exceptional trial skills and courtroom prowess. Throughout his career, he has argued before trial and appellate courts, resulting in over 85 reported decisions. He has a proven track record of success, including multiple dismissals with prejudice, summary judgments, a directed verdict in a personal injury case, and successful defenses in product liability trials.
Prior to joining Cole, Scott & Kissane, P.A., Mr. Rusak was a partner at a regional law firm where he specialized in handling crewmember and passenger personal injury claims, maritime lien enforcements, marine property disputes, and other commercial disputes. His recognition as a “Rising Star” by the Florida Super Lawyers® publication from 2010 to 2015 and as a “Super Lawyer” from 2016 to 2019 reflects his consistent commitment to excellence and client satisfaction. Currently, he is recognized by Best Attorney USA® since 2024, solidifying his reputation as a leader in his field.
Mr. Rusak’s legal education culminated in receiving his Juris Doctor *cum laude* from the University of Miami School of Law in 2002, followed by a Bachelor of Arts *cum laude* from Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey in 1999, majoring in History and Political Science. He is licensed to practice law in Florida and the United States Virgin Islands and is a member of The Florida Bar, admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida; U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits; the United States Supreme Court and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Key Strengths: Litigation, Trial Lawyer, Admiralty Law, Maritime Law, Defense Strategies, Complex Case Management
Practice Areas: Admiralty and Maritime Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Hospitality Defense, Trucking Accidents, First Party Insurance Litigation, Property Damage Claims
Education & Credentials: Juris Doctor, *Cum Laude*, University of Miami School of Law (2002); Bachelor of Arts, *Cum Laude*, Monmouth University (1999)
Bar Admissions: Florida, United States Virgin Islands; U.S. District Courts for the Southern, Middle, and Northern Districts of Florida; U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits; United States Supreme Court and U.S. Virgin Islands
Awards & Recognition: Recognized in Best Attorney USA® since 2024; “Rising Star” – Florida Super Lawyers® (2010-2015); “Super Lawyer” – Florida Super Lawyers® (2016-2019)
