Really sad news. Peter was a good dude and a smart lawyer. Too young.
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13 comments:
I’m heartbroken to hear of this. Peter and his brother David are not only two of the best lawyers in Florida but two of the nicest and most decent men. I’m heart broken for David.
Peter was one of the best, and an incredible mentor. I got to work on a death penalty appeal as a very young lawyer because of Peter, which included a trip to death row to meet the client. We shared space twice, and some great cases and as our birthdays were one day apart, never missed that two day text exchange, which I will forever miss. What a deep loss to the Bar.
Peter was a great man. I was lucky to call him a friend. Judge Julio Jimenez, who passed away 10 years ago, was my law partner prior to taking the bench. As a judge Julio had a case where Peter represented the defendant. The defendant was acquitted thanks to Peter. After the verdict, Julio called me and told me that I had to work cases with Peter. Julio told me that Peter was one of the best lawyers he had seen. I followed Julio’s advice and lucky for me I was able to work a number of cases with Peter. We tried a first degree murder and after his closing I wanted to stand up and clap! It was a privilege for me to know him and learn from him. He loved his wife and was proud of his children and grandchildren. I will miss you my friend.
Wow. This is sad. Too young. Peter was an excellent lawyer. Peter was also an excellent person. Always helpeful. Always kind. Indeed, a great loss to the Bar.
David Rumpole Brian and Carl…thank you all for your kind words and rememberances about Peter.
He was a brilliant lawyer, provided a wonderful life for his family and lived and worked with extraordinary passion. I always felt like i won the lottery having him as an older brother, mentor and friend.
He taught me, and so many others, about the law and life. I will miss him so much but have a lifetime of wonderful memories.
I’m absolutely crushed by Peter’s passing. When I was a very young lawyer, we worked in the same building and became elevator friends. I always looked forward to running into Peter and sharing a few minutes of his time- invariably he was warm, engaging, and with a sly sense of humor I much appreciated.Later, we both served on the Court’s CJA committee and I hope became more than elevator friends. On that committee, I (and everyone else) relied on Peter’s wise counsel and insight.to make sometimes very difficult recommendations to the court. And as others have written, he was a brilliant lawyer who never had to remind you of his brilliance. But, I’ll remember Peter
as a kind, caring, and generous person. He made the world a better place and he’ll be dearly missed.
Michael Caruso
Wherever Peter was, whether it was the FDC visiting room or the courtroom, his presence was just this beacon of calm. He always made time for me, asking me what I was reading outside of work and asking (without asking) how I was doing, PD to PD. In just a few seconds, I'd feel energized. Sleeves rolled up, looking straight into your face or his client's, he was always listening.
When I'd hear he was in the courthouse, I'd drop what I was doing and run over to watch him. He helped others without being asked. He'd talk to you about an interesting appellate issue and think out loud about how to build it into a cross. A true mentor and real legend.
I feel so grateful to have had the chance to learn from Peter. I thank his family for sharing him with us all.
Sowyma…thanks for sharing this rememberance. I have passed along to family.
A near perfect lawyer and an even better man. At the top of a golden generation of lawyers. He could write a brief or try a case with equal excellence. On one occasion Peter was hired to appeal a death sentence. He got the case reversed and then, at trial, exonerated the accused in Perry Mason like fashion. No one was surprised. He was kind, helpful, handsome, galant and elegant. Right out of central casting. More importantly he was humble and genuine. He had class. He was a blessing as a friend and was generous with his friendship. We were lucky to be in his presence. Rest in peace my friend.
I knew him well. I referred cases to him. The man oozed credibility. He had a way in front of a jury that they just wanted to believe him. I always felt that if he argued in front of a jury that the sun rose in the west and set in the east, the jury would find against him but it would take quite a while.
These are amazing comments. I hope they bring a small measure of peace to David Raben who has lost his brother.
All of these comments have been circulated to family members. Really bring to life the impact he had on so many in the legal community. So proud to be his brother.
I am in shock. I was just looking up Peter‘s business address to list him as a reference on a background check I am having done and they asked me to list the name and address of someone I roomed with in college. I met Peter my freshman year at the University of Florida, when we were assigned to room together in Tolbert Hall. I was an average student. Peter taught me how to study. I credit him with my scholastic success at the University of Florida that allowed me to gain admission to the University of Florida law school.
During the summer break, following our first year as roommates, Peter‘s mother hired me to work with him at her Skipper, Chuck daycare center camp. Peter and I were responsible to pick up the children in the morning to bring them to the school and take them home in the late afternoon. One day, Peter returned after dropping off the children and told me that he had rearranged his route so that he dropped off two of the children last so he had more time to speak with one of the moms on the route, Toni. He said, he felt a very strong connection to her. Of course, I was doubtful that the relationship would work given the circumstances. When we returned to school in the fall, their relationship continued, and ultimately they got married, and Peter moved back to South Florida to finish college at the University of Miami. They have been married ever since. I have very often repeated that love story to many other people, to prove that there is such a thing as love at first sight. They went on to spend a lifetime together. My condolences to his lovely wife. Reed
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