Nick Reiner‘s legal team could soon see a familiar face return, provided he is granted money from his trust fund. Nick was represented by high-powered attorney Alan Jackson, but Jackson withdrew from the case in January due to undisclosed reasons that he recently revealed.
Nick has filed a petition to gain access to his trust, which he hopes to use for his defense in his upcoming trial for the murder of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Now, Jackson is speaking out about the issue, sharing that he and his team are ready to step in as soon as Nick’s finances are in order.
Why Did Alan Jackson Quit The Case?
Prominent L.A. attorney Alan Jackson, known for representing clients such as Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Karen Read, was hired to represent Nick Reiner when he was arrested for the murder of his parents in December 2025.
In January, however, Jackson withdrew from the case due to “circumstances beyond control.” The explanation was vague, but the public speculated that he left because Nick couldn’t pay the retainer fee.
Recently, Nick filed a petition to access his trust, and in the documents, Jackson claims that the defendant’s siblings, Jake and Romy Reiner, agreed to be “third-party payors” for their brother’s defense. In late December, however, the siblings decided that they would not provide funds, causing Jackson to withdraw.
Nick Reiner Claims He Is Owed Trust Money
As The Blast previously reported, Nick believes he is owed money from the trust his parents set up for him. According to his petition, Rob and Michele set up trusts for their three children. Nick, who is 32 years old, was supposed to have been given access to half of the undisclosed amount at 30 years old and the remaining amount to be distributed at 35 years old.
However, he said that he has not received anything. He is requesting the court to grant him access so that he can re-hire Jackson and build a strong defense for his trial. Nick also noted that he had “no other means” to gain the finances to hire representation.
Nick Reiner’s Ex-Attorney Shares His Views On The Trust
Jackson appeared on TMZ Live to shed some clarity about his withdrawal as well as Nick’s trust fund. According to him, his withdrawal wasn’t just due to attorney fees not being paid. The agreement he had with Nick’s siblings included “hiring experts, getting the entire defense sort of populated with the right folks, the right people. It’s not just simply about legal fees,” Jackson explained.
Jackson also said that it was “wildly unfair” that Nick didn’t have access to his trust, explaining that his situation was different from the slayer rule or criminal forfeiture rule, which prevents a person from inheriting from their murder victims.
According to Jackson, what Nick is attempting to access isn’t an inheritance, but a trust. “Nick Reiner had a trust. He had a trust well before the passing of his parents. That trust is an irrevocable trust that is his money,” the attorney said.
Alan Jackson Is Ready To Step Back On The Case
Jackson spoke of the trust further, saying, “If he’s entitled to it, then he should get it and be able to do with it what he wants. And what he wants to do with it, according to him, is to hire the legal defense of his choice.”
Nick’s former attorney shared that he wasn’t thrilled about stepping away from the case in January, and if Nick gets access to the finances, he would jump back on the case. “Me and my entire team are ready, willing, and able to step right back in and start securing his defense,” Jackson firmly stated.
While he didn’t disclose how he plans to approach the case if he comes back, he said his team has a “very thorough” strategy they developed when they were first approached to represent Nick.
The Attorney Claims Nick Reiner Is Not Guilty Of Murder
Jackson has remained adamant about Nick’s innocence. After withdrawing from the case, he appeared on Billy Bush’s “Hot Mics” podcast, saying, “I believe it. I believe exactly what I said. What I said is the truth. Under the laws of the state of California, he’s not guilty.”
Nick was arrested on December 14, 2025, several hours after Rob and Michele were found deceased in their home. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances. If found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Nick has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court for a pre-trial hearing on September 15.