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Neil S. Rockind
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About Neil
Biography
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.
Named "Top Lawyer", "Super Lawyer" and "Best of Detroit" in 3 separate magazines/polls.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2019 2016 2015
...
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1
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 32 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1993
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2011
Licensed in New York for 20 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2006
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2011
Location
Rockind Law
(248) 208-3801
Fax
36400 Woodward Avenue, Suite 210, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48304
rockindlaw.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Neil online.
Neil S. Rockind's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
59 Client Reviews
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Case Results (48)
Advocacy (41)
Recommendation (28)
Professionalism (19)
Character & Conduct (14)
Practice Area Knowledge (14)
Trustworthiness (13)
Communication Style (12)
Staff & Support (11)
Responsiveness (9)
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Showing 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by michael | June 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Best Attorney In Michigan
I was charged with a felony DUI. I met with attorney Neil Rockind. He explained the seriousness of my case and that his whole team would be working on my case. The state prosecutor was asking for 1-3 years of prison time. The first hurdle was I needed to travel to Europe for a month after my arrest. ...
Posted by Don | April 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Brilliant Attorney
I had Neil Rockind represent me in a criminal matter involving a DUI. There were many cards stacked against me including a traffic accident, several eye witnesses, and my refusal to submit to a breathalyzer. Neil navigated the court system as well as the Michigan Department of State seamlessly and wa...
Posted by Mark | March 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
What the Rock is cooking...
Neil Rockind has represented me in the past & I was always impressed with his abilities. DUI’s are usually slam dunks for prosecutors with very little wiggle room. Yet somehow Neil was able to get a better outcome than I ever expected. He was able to get a charge dropped that would have clobbered me ...
Posted by Brandon | November 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The Best Attorney in Michigan!
If you’re looking for the best criminal defense attorney in the state of Michigan, look no further! I am lucky, and consider it an honor, that Neil took my case – as he turns many down. As a successful small business owner in Oakland & Macomb counties, it was imperative that I hired the right attorne...
Posted by anonymous | July 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Best outcome I could hope for
Neil and his team (Colin, Breanna, Alex) were amazing defending me for an OWI 3rd offense. They fought for me til the end and eventually got it reduced to a 2nd offense which is almost impossible in Oakland County Circuit Court. They were very detailed and kept me informed at every step of the case...
Neil S. Rockind's Lawyer Endorsements
"One of the best in the State. Great guy and a phenomenal Attorney."
"Mr. Rockind does exceptional work for his clients. He is highly regarded in the legal community and consistently and continually delivers outstanding results for his clients."
"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."
"Neil is an amazing attorney who works hard to get great results for his clients."
"Neil is a superb lawyer and represents an ideal that all attorneys should strive to emulate. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a first rate litigator and advocate. I strongly recommend this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
Cassi Baumgardner
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Nichols
DUI and DWI lawyer
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Michael Rex
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Stuart Friedman
Appeals lawyer
David Rosenberg
Criminal defense lawyer
Colin Daniels
Criminal defense lawyer
Loren Dickstein
Criminal defense lawyer
Randall Lewis
Criminal defense lawyer
James Burdick
White collar crime lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2011.
Reciprocal - Censure issued in NY, 2011
updated on 08/03/2016This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in New York.
Reprimand issued in MI, 2011
updated on 06/13/2012Reprimand 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.
Honors
2015
Leaders in the Law, Michigan Lawyer's Weekly
2015
Among The Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2014
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
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2013
Super Lawyer, Michigan Super Lawyers
2013
Top Lawyer, DBusiness Magazine
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Top 100, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Top Lawyer, DBusiness Magazine
2011
Best of Detroit, Hour Magazine
2011
Top Lawyer, DBusiness Magazine
2010
Endorsement, Marijuana Policy Project
2009
Detroit's Movers and Shakers, 944 Magazine
2008
Detroit's Hottest Lawyer, Six Degrees Magazine
1997
Distinguished Service Award, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
N/A
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Principal, Neil Rockind, P.C.
1997 - 2001
Attorney, Fried, Saperstein, Abbatt & Rockind, P.C.
1993 - 1997
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Oakland County Prosecutor's Office
Associations
2011 - Present
Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Cannabis Patients UnitedMember
2010 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Marijuana Patients OrganizationBoard Member
2009 - Present
Friends of the IDFBoard Member
2007 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
2005 - Present
Anti Defamation LeagueBoard Member - Regional Advisory Board
Oakland County Bar Association
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
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 Prendi
Acquittal
Michigan v Charles Jerome
Acquittal -- Not Guilty
People v Sema
Careless Driving
People v Shango
Acquittal of all Felony Charges
Education
2000
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Bachelor of General Studies
1993
Wayne State University
Juris Doctorate
Speaking Engagements
2016
CDAM Fall Conference - Traverse City
Themes and Theory - Featured Afternoon Presenter
2013
Summer Conference
The Devil Is In The Details: How To Preserve The Record And Win At Trial
2012
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
2011
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
2010
Speakers Bureau
I Didn't Make It In Hollywood, But I'm Great in Front of a Jury
1997
The Police Adacemy - Criminal Law Update
Criminal Law Update
Publications
2015
WJR
WJR Radio Appearance
2015
Detroit Legal News
Tenacious
2013
The Metro Times
Don't Be Dazed
2013
2013
2013
PR Web
Press Release
2012
2012
The Jewish News
A Budding Legal Specialty
2009
944 Magazine
The List - A Profile On Detroit's Movers and Shakers
Languages
English