Why would a top criminal defense attorney withdraw mid-case?

Common reasons include retainer depletion, fee disputes, conflicts, or strategic differences. In high-stakes cases, costs can rise quickly with experts, motions, and extended timelines. If funding no longer supports the agreed scope, withdrawal may follow court rules, leaving a court-appointed lawyer to continue the defense.

How much do legal retainer costs run in major criminal cases?

Public reporting and expert commentary often cite seven-figure ranges for complex homicide defenses. The figure reflects attorney time, investigators, analysts, and trial preparation. Actual costs vary by venue, evidence volume, and duration. Staged payments and reserve planning help families avoid mid-case counsel changes.

What does the switch to a public defender Los Angeles mean for the case?

It typically means a new defense team must review discovery, assess experts, and realign timelines. Caseloads may slow early momentum. Still, Los Angeles public defenders handle serious cases regularly. Early coordination on investigators and experts helps maintain pace and protects the client’s procedural rights.

Who is Alan Jackson lawyer in this context?

Alan Jackson is a well-known Los Angeles trial lawyer who withdrew from Nick Reiner’s case, according to public reports. His exit underscores the cost intensity of complex homicide defenses and how quickly resources can drive strategy shifts, especially when families cannot sustain extended, high-cost representation.

Law and Government

January 11: Criminal Defense Attorney Exit Roils Nick Reiner Case

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 11, 2026January 11, 2026

A high-profile criminal defense attorney exit is reshaping the Nick Reiner case and the cost debate around top-tier counsel. On January 11, attention turned to Alan Jackson’s withdrawal and the shift to a court-appointed lawyer. Experts point to seven-figure retainers as a likely driver, raising questions about legal retainer costs, funding limits for families, and pressure on Los Angeles public defense. For legal-services investors and insurers, this case offers real-time signals on pricing power, timelines, and risk exposure in major U.S. prosecutions.