Alan Jackson withdraws as defense counsel for Rob Reiner's son

Veteran Los Angeles defense attorney Alan J. Jackson withdrew from representing Nick Reiner ahead of a scheduled arraignment Wednesday morning, with Deputy Public Defender Kimberly L. Greene taking over as counsel in the double-murder case.

Jackson, a Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP partner who was retained on Dec. 17, told news reporters outside of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles that he was "legally and ethically" prohibited from explaining why he dropped out of the case.

"Circumstances beyond my control, but more importantly circumstances beyond Nick's control, have made it impossible for us to continue our representation," Jackson said.

In a statement, Los Angeles County Public Defender Ricardo D. Garcia wrote: "The Public Defender's Office recognizes what an unimaginable tragedy this is for the Reiner family and the Los Angeles community. Our hearts go out to the Reiner family as they navigate this difficult time. We ask for your patience and compassion as the case moves through the legal process, as these matters are complicated and require careful consideration."

While Jackson's withdrawal raised questions, one criminal defense expert unrelated to the case said the early counsel change does not necessarily signal a problem with the defense.

"A client has the right to an attorney of his choice, and perhaps the public defender's office - which has many experienced attorneys - is the best option for the client," Eisner Gorin LLP partner Dmitry Gorin commented in an email.

"We also do not know the defendant's mental state at this point, and it is also possible a conflict in case strategy caused the change in counsel. It is impossible to know for sure what happened as the discussions between the client and attorney are all privileged."

Although the issue has not been formally addressed in court and Reiner has not yet entered a plea, his mental health has been a focus of public discussion surrounding the case.

Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Louis J. Shapiro, also unrelated to Reiner's case, said the timing of Jackson's withdrawal was not unusual in serious felony cases and opined the decision was likely driven by practical considerations such as anticipated costs.

"It does not come as a surprise to me that this happened because Jackson was hired very quickly," Shapiro said.

Jackson, who previously represented former film producer Harvey Weinstein in a sexual assault case that ended in a conviction, was retained by Reiner the day after charges were filed.

Shapiro opined Jackson's involvement could have been limited to just the arraignment stage, noting that once the anticipated cost and scope of the defense became clear, the parties may have concluded that continued representation was not feasible.

"That happens," Shapiro said. "That doesn't mean [Reiner's] going to have a public defender through the duration of the case. He might get a different private attorney that may be more economical for him. But it is going to be a very expensive case to litigate because we're expecting it to be a not guilty by reason of insanity."

Such a defense, Shapiro noted, would likely entail a trial and the involvement of multiple experts tasked with reviewing evidence and forming opinions.

Reiner remains in custody without bail. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder over the fatal stabbing of his parents, director and actor Rob Reiner and photographer Michele Singer Reiner. The People of the State of California v. Reiner, 25CJCF08098 (L.A. Super. Ct., filed Dec. 16, 2025).

Reiner's arraignment before Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle was pushed to Feb. 23.