Magistrate/Deputy Court Administrator
46th District Court

Robin E. Dillard-Russaw is a skilled attorney, mediator and counselor. Born and raised in the Detroit-Metropolitan area, Robin graduated from Cass Technical High School, and then went on to attend Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana on a partial academic scholarship. There, she obtained a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science/Pre-Law, with a minor in Mass Communications. While at Xavier, Robin was involved in several organizations and activities, becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and earning several academic fraternal distinctions, notably Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and Alpha Episilon Honor Society. Robin also participated heavily in civic activities, particularly serving as legislative intern to the New Orleans City Council.

Although Robin enjoyed her stay in the Big Easy, she knew that she had to come back to her beloved state of Michigan, where she knew that she could make a difference in her community. Robin went on to Wayne State University where she earned a Masters in Dispute Resolution, focusing mainly on alternative dispute resolution theory and practice. With that skill set Robin decided to further her education, while finding a way to utilize both her background in dispute resolution and her background in politics. She obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2007.

Robin then went on to serve as an Attorney in various governmental agencies. Her pledge to serve the public is represented well throughout her legal career. She has held positions as an Assistant Attorney General with the Michigan Department of Attorney General in both the Corrections Division and the Public Service Division. She is a former Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor, and a former Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor. It was in these roles that Robin gained the reputation of being an excellent litigator and advocate. This reputation led Robin to her current position as a Magistrate Judge and Deputy Court Administrator for the 46th District Court in Southfield, Michigan.

Robin also finds time to give back to her community. In addition to her current memberships, she is a past Facilitator for the Detroit Superintendent Evaluation Committee, a Precinct Delegate, a panelist for the Detroit Urban League’s College Career Day, a Volunteer Mediator for various courts and a past Board Member with the Wayne Mediation Center. She has served as Vice Chair of the American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball. Robin is a former Planning Commissioner for the City of Southfield, where she was instrumental in recommending various developmental projects that would improve the city of Southfield and the surrounding communities. From May 2015 – May 2017, Robin was the 1st Vice President of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Task Force, the City of Southfield's volunteer civic organization that organizes the annual Peace Walk and Celebration for the city.

The information presented here was accurate as of January 1, 2019.