Neil S. Rockind
- Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Licensed for 27 years
- Free consultation
About Neil
Named "Top Lawyer", "Super Lawyer" and "Best of Detroit" in 3 separate magazines/polls.
During the 1960's, we witnessed for the first time, citizens fighting back against government overreaching and unfairness. Neil Rockind was born on September 6, 1968, at the height of those tumultuous times in Detroit, Michigan. He received his education from Bloomfield Hills Andover High School (Class of 1986); the University of Michigan (Bachelor of General Studies, 1990); and, Wayne State University Law School (Juris Doctor, 1993).
Rockind's talents as a trial lawyer were honed during his tenure as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, one of the most famous prosecutor's offices in the country. Rockind was an assistant prosecutor from 1993 to 1997 and handled thousands of criminal cases, many of which resulted in jury trials. Due to both his record and his ferocity, Rockind gained the moniker, "the Rockweiler." His career as a prosecutor was chronicled in profile articles that appeared in several local newspapers, including the Detroit Free Press and the Oakland Press.
As a prosecutor, Rockind quickly became a special prosecutor, the title given to prosecutors who were specifically assigned to handle complex and high profile cases. As a special prosecutor, he handled the most complex and high profile cases in the office, including but not limited to People v Kevorkian (the prosecution of famed assisted suicide advocate Jack Kevorkian), People v Horton (the prosecution of a pastor charged with taking clandestine videotapes of his parishioners in the bathrooms of his church) and People v Mayhew (a groundbreaking vehicular homicide case). Rockind also prosecuted many high level drug dealers, including one of the few cases resulting from an Oakland County Citizen's Grand Jury indictment.
In 1997, Rockind made a change: he pursued a career as a criminal defense lawyer. In private practice, Rockind has handled countless high profile cases. He was the legal commentator for WDIV (NBC) and had a recurring role on a legal news series for WJBK (Fox 2).
He has represented clients in matters ranging from drunk driving to complex federal cases. He has represented lead defendants in cases involving no notoriety whatsoever and others, such as the infamous Basketbrawl (Piston v Pacer) assault case (in which he obtained the only dismissal) and the investigation into noted attorney Geoffrey Nels Fieger, that have garnered national media attention.
Neil Rockind is/has been a member of the Michigan State Bar, New York State Bar, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, American Bar Association, American Association for Justice, National College of District Attorneys (past member) and Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (past member). He is a member of the Criminal Defense section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is also on the Regional Advisory Board of the Anti Defamation League and on the Board of Directors for the Friends of the Israeli Defense Force - Michigan Chapter.
He was named one of Michigan's Mover's and Shakers by 944 Magazine and profiled in the October, 2009 Edition of the magazine. He was also selected as one of Michigan's SuperLaywers for 2009 through 2015 , an honor bestowed upon only 5% of the lawyers practicing in the state. Super Lawyers Magazine named him among the Top 100 lawyers in Michigan and in 2013 and 2014, he was named among the Top 50 lawyers handling cases for individuals. He was named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer by The National Trial Lawyers Association, received the Distinguished Service Award by Oakland County and a DBusiness Top Lawyer by DBussiness Magazine. In 2015, Rockind earned a the coveted "Leader in the Law" award from the Michigan Lawyer's Weekly. He was also named among the Nation's Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. He has lectured to lawyers, police officers and citizens regarding current issues in law.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
Rockind Law
36400 Woodward Avenue
Suite 210
Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY | Resigned | 2006 | 12/09/2020 |
| MI | Active And In Good Standing | 1993 | 12/27/2020 |
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.
Reprimand
issued in MI, 2011updated on 06/13/2012
Reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.
Reciprocal - Censure
issued in NY, 2011updated on 08/03/2016
This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in New York.
| Legal answers | 0 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Leaders in the Law | Michigan Lawyer's Weekly | 2015 |
| Among The Nation's Top One Percent | National Association of Distinguished Counsel | 2015 |
| Top 10 | National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys | 2014 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2014 |
| Criminal Defense | Legals Finest | 2014 |
| Leading Lawyer - DUI | Leading Lawyers Network | 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Top Lawyers | dbusiness | 2014 |
| Top 50 (Consumer) Lawyers | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| Top 100 | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2014 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2013 |
| Super Lawyer | Michigan Super Lawyers | 2013 |
| Top Lawyer | DBusiness Magazine | 2013 |
| Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers Association | 2012 |
| Top 100 | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers | 2012 |
| Top Lawyer | DBusiness Magazine | 2012 |
| Best of Detroit | Hour Magazine | 2011 |
| Top Lawyer | DBusiness Magazine | 2011 |
| Endorsement | Marijuana Policy Project | 2010 |
| Detroit's Movers and Shakers | 944 Magazine | 2009 |
| Detroit's Hottest Lawyer | Six Degrees Magazine | 2008 |
| Distinguished Service Award | Oakland County Prosecutor's Office | 1997 |
| Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | N/A |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | Neil Rockind, P.C. | 2001 - Present |
| Attorney | Fried, Saperstein, Abbatt & Rockind, P.C. | 1997 - 2001 |
| Assistant Prosecuting Attorney | Oakland County Prosecutor's Office | 1993 - 1997 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
| Cannabis Patients United | Member | 2011 - Present |
| National Trial Lawyers Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
| Marijuana Patients Organization | Board Member | 2010 - Present |
| Friends of the IDF | Board Member | 2009 - Present |
| Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan | Member | 2007 - Present |
|---|---|---|
| Anti Defamation League | Board Member - Regional Advisory Board | 2005 - Present |
| Oakland County Bar Association | Member | N/A |
| National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | N/A |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| WJR | WJR Radio Appearance | 2015 |
| Detroit Legal News | Tenacious | 2015 |
| Detroit Legal News | Asked and Answered - An Interview with Neil Rockind Regarding Medical Marijuana | 2013 |
| PR Web | Press Release | 2013 |
| The Metro Times | Don't Be Dazed | 2013 |
| Laws.com | Defending The Little Guy Is In My DNA, Says Prominent Michigan Attorney Neil Rockind | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| www.Laws.com | Defending The Little Guy Is In My DNA, Says Prominent Michigan Attorney Neil Rockind | 2013 |
| Documentary | Blazed and Confused - A Look At Medical Marijuana In Michigan | 2012 |
| The Jewish News | A Budding Legal Specialty | 2012 |
| 944 Magazine | The List - A Profile On Detroit's Movers and Shakers | 2009 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | Bachelor of General Studies | 2000 |
| Wayne State University | Juris Doctorate | 1993 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| CDAM Fall Conference - Traverse City | Themes and Theory - Featured Afternoon Presenter | 2016 |
| Summer Conference | The Devil Is In The Details: How To Preserve The Record And Win At Trial | 2013 |
| Symposium on Marijuana Legalization and Medical Marijuana Decriminalization | Medical Marijuana | 2012 |
| Seminar on Medical Marijuana and Psychology, Treaters and Therapists | Medical Marijuana Defense | 2012 |
| Institute for Continuing Legal Education | Representing High School and College Age Students In Criminal Cases | 2012 |
| Spring Conference, Advanced Trial Skills | Expert Witneses | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar | Defending Medical Marijuana Cases | 2011 |
| Oakland County Bar Association | Defending Medical Marijuana Cases | 2011 |
| League of Women Voters Forum | Medical Marijuana | 2011 |
| Continuing Legal Education Series | Defending Medical Marijuana Cases | 2011 |
| Speakers Bureau | I Didn't Make It In Hollywood, But I'm Great in Front of a Jury | 2010 |
| The Police Adacemy - Criminal Law Update | Criminal Law Update | 1997 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Michigan v Warren | Not Guilty |
| Michigan v Amouri | Not Guilty |
| Michigan v Williamson | Not Guilty |
| People v Herron | Dismissed Prior To Trial |
| People v "F.B." | Dismissed |
| People v O'Keefe | Not Guilty |
|---|---|
| People v Jarbo | Jury Trial - Not Guilty |
| People v Tell | Plead to reduced offense - avoided prison and jail |
| People v Zaid | Case Dismissed |
| People v Price | Case dismissed |
| People v Garmo | Evidence Suppressed - Case Dismissed |
| Dearborn v Navoy | Judge Somers, the Dearborn judge who ordered that the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act was unconstitutional, is disqualified. |
| People v Richmond (Clinical Relief Dispensary Case) | Case Dismissed |
| People v Chapman | Dismissed |
| People v Sulaka | Case Dismissed: The Court ruled that marijuana was no longer a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance in Michigan and that the statute violated Equal Protection |
| Michigan v Brewart | Case Dismissed |
| Troy v Dabash | Not Guilty |
| Michigan v Longordo | Acquittal |
| Bloomfield v Fawkes | Not Guilty - Acquittal |
| Michigan v Charles Jerome | Acquittal -- Not Guilty |
| Michigan v Prendi | Acquittal |
| People v Shango | Acquittal of all Felony Charges |
| People v Sema | Careless Driving |
Underdogs come out on top!!
Posted by Zak elkour
Tue Aug 29 2017
Case dismissed!
Posted by anonymous
Sun Aug 28 2016
Not all superheroes wear capes
Posted by Seth L.
Fri Dec 04 2020
The Best Attorney in Michigan!
Posted by Brandon
Thu Nov 12 2020
Best outcome I could hope for
Posted by anonymous
Wed Jul 29 2020
Greatest Attorney
Posted by Kathy
Fri Nov 01 2019
Absolutely excellent, A+ Thank you!
Posted by anonymous
Thu Oct 03 2019
The best you could ask for!
Posted by Y.J.
Mon Jun 17 2019
High-Stakes Criminal Defense Attorney Who Has Chosen His Profession Well
Posted by anonymous
Sat Apr 06 2019
Motion Filing
Posted by brooke
Sat Mar 23 2019
Attorney endorsements
(13)David Drwencke, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 30, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Neil is an absolute rockstar and has earned his reputation in the community. Neil is quick on his feet, tenacious and does not back down from anyone. There is a reason why his nickname is "Rockweiler." I enthusiastically endorse Neil and know that he can handle even the most difficult cases.
Joshua Covert, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 27, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Neil is an amazing attorney who works hard to get great results for his clients.
Andrew Hubbs, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 19, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Neil is a superb lawyer and represents an ideal that all attorneys should strive to emulate. I endorse this lawyer.
Joseph Lavigne, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Neil Rockind is simply one of the best attorneys in the field. He is bright, well prepared, respected and does an outstanding job for his clients. He is the kind of attorney you want by your side when the chips are down.
Cassi Baumgardner, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 17, 2014
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
I have had the invaluable opportunity to work for and with Mr. Rockind. He is by far, the best criminal defense attorney I have ever seen both in and outside of the courtroom. His level of compassion for his clients and dedication to his work is unparalleled. The outcomes he is able to secure for his clients are a product of experience, preparation, and excellent trial skills. I would highly recommend him to any person seeking representation.
Michael Nichols, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Someone said "Rockind rocks." It's true. I've had the pleasure of knowing Neil for several years. He works hard, he studies the law and the facts and he works like hell for his clients. I endorse this lawyer.
Stuart Friedman, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 1, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I am an appellate attorney. Normally, I am representing the losing defendant trying to overturn an unjust conviction. Quite often it is because the attorney made a mistake or neglected something. I've done six appeals from Neil Rockind cases. In five of the six cases I am fighting prosecution appeals because Neil won and the prosecutor was a sore loser. In the remaining case he lost (as did every other attorney I know who was running the issue), but today the Court of Appeals ruled that argument that trial judges were buying was legally incorrect. I fully anticipate overturning his one loss by the end of the year.
David Rosenberg, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 9, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. In 1993, I predicted that this feisty new attorney would make his mark in the legal community. My.prediction has come true. Not only has Neil mastered courtroom defense, he has become a well-rounded family man, whose work ethic and family values are beyond question.
Channelle Kizy-White, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 31, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have had the unique opportunity to work for this lawyer as an associate at his firm and later work with him in representing co-defendants. One thing that has always been consistent is that he is undoubtedly one of the best criminal defense attorneys I have ever seen. He sets himself apart from the rest by fighting every single case that walks through the door. Neil's courtroom style makes him unforgettable. Combine that with his intelligence and experience, and he is untouchable in the courtroom. He has taken cases that I have thought there would be no way of winning and the cases were dismissed before even getting to trial. His tireless preparation and hard work pays off for each and every client. He's dedicated to the fight and doesn't give up, qualities that every defendant should want in their attorney.
Colin Daniels, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 24, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
Neil Rockind is the hardest-working and finest criminal defense lawyer in Michigan. His trial skills are second-to-none and there is no other attorney who fights as hard as he does for his clients. His passion, combined with his experience and suave in the courtroom, make Neil the premier criminal defense attorney in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties and throughout Michigan.
Randall Lewis, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 24, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. He is a first rate litigator and advocate. I strongly recommend this lawyer.
Loren Dickstein, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 21, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Neil Rockind and I are working together on a complex conspiracy case. He is very intelligent, thoughtful and a zealous lawyer. His preparation for court is excellent and he truly seems to care about his client's best interests. I endorse this lawyer.
James Burdick, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 17, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. We triedn a horribly complex case together -- five defendants, six lawyers, two juries -- and he was brilliant. He was the only lawyer of all of us to achieve total victory: acquittal on both counts. Most others were convicted of all counts, my client of one only of those charged, but Neil Rockind's client walked out of court a free man despite evidence and two prosecutors' one sometimes using questionable tactics. In 42 years as a prosecutor and defense lawyer, I have never seen a lawyer work so hard and spend so much time preparing for trial, and while in trial, as Neil Rockind.
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