The departure of Nick Reiner's star lawyer, Alan Jackson, from the high-profile murder case fueled questions about what is going on behind the scenes and how the shake-up could impact Reiner's defense.
Jackson previously scored major wins for former movie star Kevin Spacey, who was accused of sexual assault, and Karen Read, whose murder trial captured audiences across the country. At a court appearance Jan. 7 in which Jackson was expected to act as a zealous advocate while his client was formally apprised of the charges against him and potentially entered a plea, Jackson instead asked to step away.
“We have no choice but to withdraw as counsel and ask to be removed," he told Judge Theresa McGonigle.
USA TODAY spoke to several California-based litigators who said the issue for Jackson may have come down to whether Jackson would get paid.
"It's likely money. In the business we say, 'Mr. Green didn't show up,'" said Neama Rahmani, a Los Angeles-based litigator and former federal prosecutor.
