Neil Rockind: Recognition of Excellence
Throughout his distinguished career, Neil Rockind has earned numerous prestigious awards and maintained affiliations with the most respected legal organizations. These recognitions reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence in criminal defense, his exceptional trial skills, and his dedication to protecting his clients' rights.
Neil is consistently recognized as one of Michigan's premier criminal defense attorneys by his peers, the legal community, and independent rating organizations. These accolades are not merely decorations—they represent decades of aggressive advocacy, meticulous preparation, and an unrelenting pursuit of justice for his clients.
Major Awards & Recognition
Best Lawyers 2026 - Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Attorney Neil Rockind, widely recognized as the "Rockweiler," stands as one of Michigan's premier criminal defense trial lawyers. Renowned for his fiery, quick-witted, and relentless defense style, Rockind has earned the reputation of the "go-to" attorney for challenging high-profile criminal cases. Continue Reading...
Super Lawyers
Named to Michigan Super Lawyers list consecutively since 2009, with 2025 marking his 16th consecutive year of recognition. Neil has been named one of the "Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan" and among the "Top 50 Consumer Attorneys in Michigan" by Super Lawyers. Only 5% of attorneys receive this distinction.
Category: Criminal Defense
Leaders in the Law
Selected as one of Michigan's "Leaders in the Law" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2015, one of the highest and rarest honors for a lawyer to receive. This prestigious recognition places him among the elite legal professionals in the state.
DBusiness Top Lawyers
Recognized consistently as a DBusiness Top Lawyer in multiple categories: Criminal Defense, White Collar Criminal Defense, and OWI/DUI Defense. This peer-reviewed honor is bestowed upon only 1% of lawyers in the metropolitan Detroit area.
National Trial Lawyers: Top 100
Member of the prestigious "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" by The National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only organization composed of the premier trial lawyers from across the country who exemplify superior qualifications in criminal defense.
AVVO Rating: 10.0 Superb
Maintains the highest possible AVVO rating of 10.0 "Superb," reflecting outstanding legal ability, ethical standards, and professional achievements. Also received AVVO's Client Appreciation Award in 2015 for outstanding client relationships.
Best Lawyers in America
Listed in Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in Best Lawyers is widely regarded as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by their peers.
Nation's Top One Percent
Named among the "Nation's Top One Percent" by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel in 2015, an honor that places him among elite attorneys such as Roy Black, Thomas Cranmer and other prominent lawyers in the United States.
Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys
Named among the "Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorneys" in Michigan by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys for multiple years. He has also served on the Academy's Board of Advisors, recognizing his expertise in the field.
Leading Lawyers
Recognized as a "Leading Lawyer" in both Criminal Defense and OWI/DUI Defense by LeadingLawyers.com, a distinction reserved for less than 1% of all practicing attorneys based on peer reviews and professional achievement.
Hour Magazine "Best of Detroit"
Selected as "Best of Detroit" by Hour Magazine, recognizing his standing as one of the premier attorneys in the metropolitan Detroit area.
Top 100 DUI Attorneys
Named among the "Top 100 DUI Attorneys in the United States," recognizing his specialized expertise in defending clients against drunk driving charges.
10 Best Criminal Law Attorneys
Selected among the "10 Best" criminal defense attorneys in Michigan by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys for multiple consecutive years, recognizing excellence in client satisfaction and professional achievement.
Professional Affiliations
Neil Rockind maintains active membership in numerous professional organizations that promote excellence in criminal defense and the legal profession as a whole:
State Bar of Michigan
Active member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan since 1993, with particular involvement in the Criminal Law Section.
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
Member of this premier nationwide organization dedicated to ensuring justice and due process for persons accused of crimes and fostering the integrity, independence, and expertise of the criminal defense profession.
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM)
Active member of Michigan's primary organization dedicated to promoting expertise in criminal defense law and preserving the constitutional rights of the accused.
National Trial Lawyers Association
Member of this invitation-only professional organization composed of the top trial lawyers from across the country who exemplify superior qualifications in criminal defense law.
American Bar Association
Member of the nation's largest voluntary association of lawyers and legal professionals, committed to advancing the rule of law and administration of justice.
Michigan Association for Justice
Member dedicated to ensuring that anyone who is injured by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in Michigan's courtrooms.
National College for DUI Defense
Member of this professional, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the criminal defense bar, and to the dissemination of information to the public about DUI defense law.
Driving Under the Influence Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA)
Invited member of this specialized organization focusing on defending individuals accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Not only a recognized attorney but also serves on the Advisory Board of this prestigious organization that recognizes the top criminal defense attorneys in the nation.
Anti-Defamation League
Serves on the Regional Advisory Board of this historic civil rights organization that fights antisemitism and all forms of hate.
Friends of the Israeli Defense Force – Michigan Chapter
Board member for the Michigan Chapter of this organization supporting the wellbeing of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.
Media Recognition
Neil Rockind's expertise and trial successes have been recognized by numerous media outlets:
Legal Commentator
Regularly featured as a legal expert and commentator on local and national television networks including WDIV-TV (NBC), Fox 2 Detroit, MSNBC, and Fox News, providing insight on high-profile cases and complex legal issues.
Print Media Coverage
Featured in prominent publications including the Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Hour Detroit, and DBusiness Magazine, highlighting his innovative defense strategies and courtroom successes.
Radio and Podcast Presence
Host of the "Killer Cross Examination" podcast and frequent guest on radio programs throughout Michigan, sharing legal insights and analysis of significant cases.
TEDx Speaker
Delivered a TEDx Talk at Oakland University entitled "Joy of the Jury," exploring the critical importance of jury service and the role of citizens in the justice system.
Specialized Training & Certifications
Standardized Field Sobriety Test Certification
Completed specialized certification in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, allowing him to understand, administer, and evaluate the same tests used by law enforcement in DUI/OWI cases. This training provides a significant advantage when challenging field sobriety evidence in court.
Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Training
Completed comprehensive training in Drug Evaluation and Classification protocols used by Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) in law enforcement. This specialized knowledge allows Neil to effectively evaluate and challenge drug impairment assessments in court.
American Chemical Society Gas Chromatography Training
Completed a 40-hour hands-on Gas Chromatography seminar with the American Chemical Society at Axion Laboratories, studying the science behind blood alcohol testing and participating in laboratory procedures. This scientific expertise is crucial for challenging breath and blood test evidence.
Advanced Cross-Examination Techniques
Creator of the "Killer Cross Examination" method and platform, sharing his expertise in advanced cross-examination techniques with other attorneys through his podcast, website, and speaking engagements. His cross-examination skills have been instrumental in his most notable case victories.
Media Recognition
Neil Rockind's expertise and trial successes have been recognized by numerous media outlets:
Television Legal Expert
Regular legal expert for WDIV-TV (NBC) in Detroit, providing legal analysis and commentary on high-profile cases, legal issues, and criminal justice matters. He also appears on the "Help Me Hank" consumer protection series.
National Media Appearances
Featured as a legal commentator on major national networks including Fox News and MSNBC, as well as appearing frequently on Fox 2 Detroit's "Let It Rip" program, discussing significant legal cases and issues.
Podcast Host
Host of the popular "Killer Cross Examination" podcast, featuring interviews with prominent legal professionals and discussions on criminal defense strategies, trial techniques, and legal insights.
TEDx Speaker
Delivered a TEDx Talk at Oakland University entitled "Joy of the Jury," exploring the critical importance of jury service and the role of citizens in the justice system.
Profile Publications
Featured in numerous publications including the Jewish News, Detroit News, The Oakland Press, Grosse Pointe News, Corp! magazine, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and the Detroit Legal News, recognizing his legal expertise and significant case victories.
Radio Presence
Former host of "The Neil Rockind Show" radio program and frequent guest on various radio programs throughout Michigan, providing legal analysis and commentary on current legal topics.
Client Recognition
Beyond industry accolades, Neil Rockind takes greatest pride in the recognition from his clients:
"When my freedom and future were on the line, Neil Rockind fought for me with unmatched intensity and strategic brilliance. His reputation is well-earned—there is simply no better advocate in the courtroom."
"Neil's exceptional legal knowledge is matched only by his passionate commitment to his clients. He approached my case as if his own freedom was at stake, leaving no stone unturned in my defense."
"The prosecutor came armed with what seemed like overwhelming evidence, but Neil systematically dismantled their case through brilliant cross-examination. When others saw a hopeless situation, Neil saw a path to victory."
Experience the Rockind Difference
Neil Rockind's numerous accolades and recognitions are a testament to his dedication, skill, and proven track record of success in criminal defense. When facing criminal charges, your choice of attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Contact Rockind Law today to discuss your situation with an award-winning criminal defense team that brings unmatched experience, strategic insight, and aggressive advocacy to every case.