Nick Reiner’s Former Lawyer Alan Jackson Explains Withdrawal From Case

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Alan Jackson is sharing his side of the story.

A week after Nick Reiner’s lawyer stated he was no longer representing him in the case – where his former client is accused of murdering his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner – the attorney explained why he stepped down.

Everyone is wondering about the shift in legal representation, and I’m legally and ethically bound to keep certain details private,” Jackson said on the January 13th episode of Sirius XM’s Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa. “I can’t discuss why we changed lawyers or why the public defender’s office took over the case.

My team and I are fully dedicated to doing what’s best for Nick, and that will always be our priority. I want to ensure he receives the strongest possible legal defense. I previously represented Karen Read, Harvey Weinstein, and Kevin Spacey, and remain committed to providing a vigorous defense for my clients.

During a statement on January 7th, Jackson confirmed that Nick, who is facing two counts of first-degree murder with the added charge of multiple murders, will be represented by a public defender. Nick’s initial court appearance has been delayed until February 23rd, following Jackson’s decision to step aside from the case.

The 60-year-old, who had previously stated his belief that Nick wasn’t guilty according to California law, was quick to commend Nick’s new lawyer, Kimberly Greene.

He expressed strong confidence in the public defender’s office, praising their legal work as ‘outstanding’ during a January 12th appearance on the Hot Mics with Billy Bush podcast.

I was simply trying to tell the truth,” he explained. “We had been working on this for almost three weeks, putting in long hours – practically every waking moment. My whole team was dedicated to it, as you can see.

After making his announcement, Jackson felt it was important to stress that he believed Nick was innocent.

I felt it was important to correct some inaccurate information and stop the spread of rumors, as many people were quick to jump to conclusions. Something definitely happened that affected my ability, and my team’s ability, to continue working on this case, but I’m not going to discuss the details. I haven’t spoken about it to anyone.

Regarding a possible return to Nick’s legal team, Jackson stated that his withdrawal from the case is final. The court has already dismissed him as counsel, and he doesn’t anticipate any change to that situation.

For a closer look at the investigation into Rob and Michele’s murders, read on.

Long before Rob and Michele Singer Reiner sadly passed away, their son, Nick Reiner, had spoken about his own struggles with addiction. He even worked with his father on the 2015 film Being Charlie, which focused on the topic of substance abuse.

Nick explained that he had been to rehab 17 times before turning 30. 

In a 2016 interview with People magazine, he shared that he had experienced homelessness in Maine, New Jersey, and Texas. He described spending nights and weeks living on the streets, and said it was a difficult time.

Two years later, Nick recalled an instance when he “wrecked” his home while high on drugs. 

He explained on the Dopey podcast in 2018 that he spent days awake on stimulants – likely cocaine and another drug – and ended up punching things in his guest house. He said he ‘went 10 rounds’ there, meaning he had a prolonged and intense episode.

According to multiple sources at Conan O’Brien’s Christmas party on December 13th, director Rob Reiner and his 32-year-old son, Nick, had a significant argument. Friends of the family later confirmed the fight to the L.A. Times, adding that guests observed Nick behaving oddly during the holiday event.

According to two sources familiar with the event, Nick was causing a disturbance at the party by interrupting people and being disruptive.

Jane Fonda saw Rob and Michele the night before their tragic deaths.

The actress posted on Instagram on December 15th that she had seen them two nights ago and they seemed happy and well. She added that she is devastated and in shock.

On December 14th, around 3:40 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department investigated a death at a home in Brentwood, California, following a call they received the day after a Christmas party.

According to a police statement, officers found two people inside the home, later identified as Robert and Michele Reiner.

As a long-time follower of the Robbery Homicide Division, I learned they immediately launched a full investigation into exactly what happened to the victims. The Homicide Special Section took the lead, determined to uncover the truth behind these deaths.

According to NBC News, Deputy Police Chief Alan Hamilton stated that investigators will be speaking with many family members. Rob Reiner and his wife have three children: Nick, Romy, and Jake. Rob also adopted the daughter of his late ex-wife, Penny Marshall, named Tracy Reiner.

Oh my god, it’s even worse than we thought! I just heard from someone connected to the Reiners, and it’s confirmed – Rob and Michele didn’t just pass away. They were… stabbed. It’s absolutely horrifying, and I can’t even begin to imagine how awful it must have been. I’m just devastated for the family.

After looking into the situation, the police have confirmed that the Reiners were, sadly, victims of homicide. It’s a tragic situation, and our thoughts are with their loved ones. As a lifestyle expert, I always emphasize the importance of safety and community, and this is a stark reminder of how quickly things can change. It’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings and support those around you.

Footage obtained by MS NOW shows Nick purchasing a Gatorade at an ARCO gas station in downtown Los Angeles, near USC, around 9 p.m. on December 14th. He was wearing a green jacket, jeans, and a ballcap, and was carrying a red backpack, all while police were investigating the case.

Minutes later, the screenwriter was taken into custody near USC.

The Los Angeles Police Department stated their investigation concluded that Rob and Michele’s son caused their deaths.

Police announced they arrested Nick Reiner around 9:15 p.m. on December 15th. He has been charged with murder and is being held in jail without the possibility of bail.

Michelle Obama shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live on December 15th that she and Barack Obama had plans to meet with Rob and Michele on the day they tragically passed away.

On December 16th, attorney Alan Jackson—known for previously defending high-profile clients like Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Karen Read—told TopMob News that he is now representing Nick, who was arrested two days prior in connection with his parents’ murder.

On December 16th, as authorities prepared to announce charges against Nick at a Los Angeles courthouse, his lawyer informed the press that he hadn’t been given medical approval to attend the court hearing.

According to reports, officials stated that all prisoners must receive medical approval before being taken to court. They are optimistic that the individual in question will be cleared for transport tomorrow.

On December 16th, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that Nick will be formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder, with prosecutors alleging this was a multiple murder.

The District Attorney also stated that Nick will be charged with using a deadly weapon – a knife – during the attack on his parents.

He explained that if convicted, the charges could result in a life sentence with no chance of release, or even the death penalty.

Nick was formally charged Dec. 16. 

Police believe Rob and Michele were likely killed about 12 hours before their bodies were found around 3 p.m. on December 14th.

According to a press release on December 16th, the district attorney stated the murders happened around the early morning of December 14th.

According to a press release from the District Attorney on December 16th, Nick is accused of killing his parents by stabbing them. Authorities allege he used a knife as the weapon in the murders.

Nick made his first court appearance on December 17th at the Los Angeles Supreme Court. He was wearing a blue garment designed to prevent self-harm and was in shackles. He didn’t enter a plea at that time, but scheduled an arraignment for January 7th.

On December 17th, the medical examiner concluded that both Rob and Michele died from multiple cuts or stab wounds.

During Nick’s court appearance on January 7, 2026, his lawyer, Alan Jackson, informed the court he was no longer representing him. Nick will now be represented by a public defender, according to a reporter from MS NOW who was present.

The Reiner family released a statement to TopMob News saying they are confident in the legal system and won’t be making any further comments about the ongoing case.

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2026-01-14 18:48