Hon. Craig A. Pugatch

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has announced the appointment of the Honorable Craig A. Pugatch as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division, effective June 1, 2026. The Eleventh Circuit is responsible for the appointment of all bankruptcy judges within the states of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.

Judge Pugatch began his legal career in South Florida with Rice Pugatch Robinson & Schiller, P.A. Through subsequent mergers and firm growth, the practice evolved into Lorium Law, where Judge Pugatch served as the managing member until his elevation to the bench. Throughout his distinguished career, he practiced extensively in both state and federal courts, specializing in bankruptcy and insolvency, commercial litigation, and business reorganizations. His practice included the representation of trustees, fiduciaries, diverse corporate clients, and individual debtors.

A native of Coral Springs, Florida, Judge Pugatch earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, where he was an active member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. He received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2003.

Beyond the courtroom, Judge Pugatch is deeply committed to community service and is an active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is an avid cook, musician, and scuba diver—pursuits he enjoys with his wife, Judy, and daughter, Alana, particularly while traveling and camping.