At a Glance
- Alan Jackson withdrew as Nick Reiner’s counsel one week after the murder charges
- Jackson cites legal and ethical limits on what he can reveal about the exit
- Reiner, charged with two counts of first-degree murder, now has a public defender
- Why it matters: The high-profile withdrawal raises questions about the defense strategy ahead of the Feb. 23 arraignment
Alan Jackson has publicly explained his decision to step away from defending Nick Reiner, the 27-year-old charged with the murders of his parents Rob and Michele Reiner, but he says strict ethical rules keep him from revealing the full story.
Speaking on the Jan. 13 episode of Sirius XM’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa,” Jackson said he is barred from detailing the behind-the-scenes reasons for the change. “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 told host Kelly Ripa.
Jackson, who also previously represented Karen Read, Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey, emphasized that he and his team “remain completely and utterly committed to Nick’s best interest. We always will be committed to his best interests. I want nothing but the best for him and I want him to get the most robust defense that he possibly can get.”
The withdrawal became official at a Jan. 7 court hearing where Jackson announced that the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office would take over. Reiner’s arraignment has since been postponed until Feb. 23.
During the same appearance on Ripa’s show, Jackson praised the new counsel, Deputy Public Defender Kimberly Greene, saying he has “a lot of faith in the public defender’s office. I have a lot of faith in their representation – they’re outstanding, outstanding legal professionals.”
Jackson reiterated his belief that Reiner is not guilty under California law and said he felt compelled to speak out to counter media speculation. “It was important for me to right some wrongs that had been printed, lots of speculation, lots of people who want to believe certain things,” he said.
He added that his team had worked “nearly every waking hour” for three weeks prior to the withdrawal. “We had worked tirelessly,” he said, noting the sizable team standing behind him at the press conference.
When asked if he might return to the case, Jackson replied: “The withdrawal is in the books, the court has relieved me of his counsel, and that’s where it stands, moving forward.”
Reiner was formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder with the special circumstance of multiple murders, making him eligible for life without parole if convicted. The charges stem from the fatal shootings of his parents at the family’s home in Pacific Palisades.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 7 | Jackson announces withdrawal; public defender assigned |
| Jan. 12 | Jackson appears on “Hot Mics with Billy Bush” podcast |
| Jan. 13 | Jackson interviewed on “Let’s Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa” |
| Feb. 23 | Reiner’s next court date (arraignment) |
What Jackson Can and Can’t Say
- Can say: He believes Reiner is innocent and wishes him the strongest defense
- Can’t say: Specific reasons for the withdrawal due to attorney-client privilege and ethical rules
- Can say: The public defender’s office is highly capable
- Can’t say: Whether he would re-enter the case if invited
Jackson stressed that the switch was not due to any conflict over Reiner’s guilt or innocence. “Obviously, something happened with my ability, and my team’s ability, to continue the representation, but I don’t want you, your audience, or anybody else to start speculating as to what that might be. I have not said a word about it,” he told Ripa.
The case has drawn intense media attention both because of the brutal nature of the allegations and because of Jackson’s celebrity-client roster. Jackson said he felt an obligation to the truth when he decided to withdraw, stating, “I was doing a favor to the truth.”
With the Feb. 23 arraignment approaching, Reiner’s new legal team will have to quickly familiarize themselves with extensive discovery materials and any ongoing defense investigation. During the Jan. 7 hearing, the judge noted that an active defense probe could shape the direction of the prosecution.
Jackson’s departure leaves Reiner with experienced public defenders who routinely handle high-stakes murder cases, but the sudden change late in the pre-trial phase adds uncertainty to an already complex case.
Key Takeaways
- Jackson’s exit is final; the court has formally relieved him
- He insists the decision honors ethical duties to Reiner
- Reiner’s next court appearance is set for Feb. 23
- The public defender’s office now carries the defense burden
