Nick Reiner's Major Loss: Bigwig Lawyer Alan Jackson Withdraws From Representing Troubled Son of Late Rob and Michele in Gruesome Murder Trial
Nick Reiner's defense attorney Alan Jackson has withdrawn from the case.
Jan. 7 2026, Published 12:50 p.m. ET
Nick Reiner's prominent defense lawyer Alan Jackson has withdrawn from the case, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
Nick, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of his parents, legendary director Rob Reiner and photographer-producer Michele Singer Reiner, on December 14, 2025.
Nick's Attorney Drops Case
Nick faces two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his parents, Rob and Michele.
Sources close to the Reiner family reportedly said when Jackson appears in the Los Angeles courtroom for Nick's arraignment on Wednesday, January 7, he will inform the judge that he would no longer be representing the 32-year-old.
After briefly speaking with Judge Theresa McGonigle, the high-profile attorney – who previously represented Kevin Spacey, Harvey Weinstein, and Karen Read – said he and his team had "no choice" but to remove themselves from the case.
A spokesperson for the Reiner family offered a brief comment on Nick's sudden change of counsel, saying, "They have the utmost trust in the legal process and will not comment further on matters related to the legal proceedings."
Judge Reschedules Arraignment
Nick will now be represented by a public defender.
An insider said Jackson withdrawing from the case had nothing to do with his "performance and that he had been a professional throughout the process."
During a previous court appearance on December 17, 2025, one day after Nick was charged with his parents' murders, Jackson agreed to delay the arraignment so he could review the case.
Jackson later told reporters there's "very complex and serious issues associated with this case" that required a more thorough examination at the time.
A source claimed Nick's schizoaffective disorder medication 'sent him off the rails' in the weeks leading up to the murders.
With Jackson off the case, the Being Charlie screenwriter will be represented by a public defender, Kimberly Greene, who has nearly two-decades of experience.
McGonigle signed off on the change of counsel and rescheduled the arraignment to February 23.
"Uh, yeah I agree with that," Nick, who appeared in court dressed in a brown prison jumpsuit, muttered in response to the rescheduling.
The slain director's son left the courtroom and returned to his jail cell without bail.
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Insiders said Jackson withdrawing from the case had nothing to do with his 'performance.'
While he did not enter a plea on Wednesday, It's been speculated that Nick, who has a history of drug addiction and was diagnosed with a form of schizophrenia, will likely plead not guilty by reason of insanity.
Source reportedly alleged Nick's medication for his schizoaffective disorder "sent him off the rails" in the weeks leading up to his parents' murders.
As RadarOnline.com reported, Nick attended comedian Conan O'Brien's Christmas party with his parents hours before his younger sister Romy discovered their father's body inside the couple's Brentwood home.
Insiders claimed Nick was making other guests uncomfortable at the party and got into a "very loud argument" with The Princess Bride director.
Police arrested Nick hours after Romy made the gruesome discovery. If convicted, Nick faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, as he's been charged under special circumstances of multiple murders in addition to the allegation that he used a "dangerous and deadly" weapon.
