At a Glance
- Alan Jackson has spoken publicly for the first time since withdrawing from the defense of Nick Reiner, who is charged with murdering his parents.
- Jackson cited “legal standards and ethical obligations” as limiting what he can say about the change in counsel.
- The high-profile lawyer insists his team remains “committed to Nick’s best interest” despite the withdrawal.
- Why it matters: The switch leaves Reiner relying on a public defender while questions swirl around Jackson’s sudden departure.
Alan Jackson is now explaining his decision to step away from defending Nick Reiner, the 27-year-old accused of murdering his parents Rob and Michele Reiner.
In back-to-back podcast appearances, the celebrity attorney offered the first detailed comments since announcing his withdrawal on Jan. 7. Reiner, formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder with a special circumstance of multiple murders, will now be represented by the public defender’s office.
The Ethical Wall
Speaking on the Jan. 13 episode of Sirius XM’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa,” Jackson acknowledged the public’s curiosity.
“Everybody’s got that same looming question, and I am compelled because of legal standards and ethical obligations – there’s certain things I simply can’t divulge,” he said. “In terms of why there was a change in counsel, why we stepped away and the public defender’s office stepped in.”
Jackson, who has previously represented Karen Read, Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, emphasized that his team “remain[s] completely and utterly committed to Nick’s best interest.”
Praise for New Counsel
The 60-year-old lawyer voiced confidence in Reiner’s new representation during a Jan. 12 appearance on the “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” podcast.
- “I have a lot of faith in the public defender’s office,” Jackson said.
- He called the office’s attorneys “outstanding, outstanding, legal professionals.”
- “I was doing a favor to the truth,” he added, describing the work done before his exit.
Jackson revealed that his team had worked “nearly every waking hour” for roughly three weeks before the withdrawal.
Setting the Record Straight
The attorney said he felt compelled to address what he called inaccurate reporting.
“It was important for me to write some wrongs that had been printed, lots of speculation, lots of people who want to believe certain things,” he explained.
While acknowledging that “something happened with my ability, and my team’s ability, to continue the representation,” Jackson urged against speculation.
“I have not said a word about it,” he stressed.
No Return to Case
Jackson made clear that his involvement has formally ended.
“The withdrawal is in the books, the court has relieved me of his counsel, and that’s where it stands, moving forward,” he stated.
Reiner’s arraignment, originally scheduled for an earlier date, has been postponed until Feb. 23.
Case Background
Reiner was charged with the murders of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. The case has drawn significant media attention, partly due to Jackson’s high-profile involvement.
During Jackson’s Jan. 7 announcement, he confirmed that Reiner would be assigned a public defender. The judge also discussed an ongoing defense investigation that may indicate the direction of the criminal case.
Jackson has previously stated that he believes Reiner is not guilty under California law.
What’s Next
With Jackson’s exit, Reiner’s defense now rests with the public defender’s office, led in part by attorney Kimberly Greene. The next court date is set for Feb. 23.
Jackson’s podcast appearances mark his first public comments since the withdrawal, though he remains constrained by professional ethics from revealing specifics.
Key Takeaways
- Jackson cannot disclose the reason for his withdrawal due to ethical obligations
- He maintains confidence in the public defender’s ability to represent Reiner
- The case continues with a new defense team and a postponed arraignment
- Jackson has ruled out any return to the case
