We primarily represent professionals, business owners, high-net-worth individuals, and others with significant interests at stake facing serious criminal allegations. Our clients typically share certain characteristics: they are generally first-time or minimal-history defendants who have made isolated mistakes rather than engaged in ongoing criminal behavior; they have substantial professional, family, and community ties worth protecting; they understand the value of premium representation and have the resources to invest in exceptional defense; and they are committed to moving forward positively after resolving their legal challenges. While each case is evaluated individually, this client profile reflects our selective approach to representation.

Unlike high-volume practices that process hundreds of cases with minimal attention to each, we deliberately limit our caseload to ensure each matter receives extraordinary resources and attention. This fundamental difference affects every aspect of representation—from the time devoted to investigation and preparation to the sophistication of legal research and motion practice to the individualized strategies developed for each case. Additionally, our selective client acceptance creates advantages in negotiations, as prosecutors recognize that our clients typically represent isolated mistakes by otherwise law-abiding citizens rather than career criminals. This quality-over-quantity approach requires premium fees but delivers exceptional value through superior outcomes.

Our premium fees directly enable our distinctive approach—limiting caseloads, investing extensive resources in each case, and dedicating the time necessary for exhaustive preparation. As Neil Rockind candidly acknowledges: "I will typically charge two to three times what most criminal lawyers charge in Michigan." This fee structure allows us to limit our practice to approximately 20% of the cases handled by volume firms, investing the time and resources necessary to develop the strongest possible defense in each matter. For clients who understand the stakes involved in criminal matters, this investment delivers extraordinary value through superior outcomes, preserved opportunities, and protected futures that far exceed the cost difference compared to standard representation.

While we have experience with virtually all types of criminal matters, we focus our practice on serious felonies, high-stakes misdemeanors affecting professional licenses or careers, white collar allegations, federal charges, and complex or unusual cases that benefit most from our distinctive approach. Our selective practice model means we decline representation in many routine criminal matters better suited to other firms. During initial consultations, we evaluate whether your situation aligns with our expertise and approach, and we provide straightforward guidance even when that means recommending alternative counsel. This selective approach ensures that we concentrate our resources on cases where our distinctive model delivers maximum value.

We recognize that our premium representation is not financially accessible to everyone, and we're straightforward about this reality. If our fee structure exceeds your resources, we're happy to recommend capable attorneys whose practices may better align with your financial situation. We believe ethical practice includes acknowledging when our model isn't the right fit for potential clients. For cases involving extraordinary circumstances where our specialized expertise would be particularly valuable but resources are limited, we occasionally consider flexible arrangements, though these situations are necessarily limited by our commitment to maintaining our distinctive low-volume, high-resource practice model.

Neil Rockind earned the nickname "The Rockweiler" during his time as a prosecutor, reflecting his tenacious, relentless approach in the courtroom—particularly in cross-examination. Like the dog breed that's powerful and persistent, Neil's advocacy style combines meticulous preparation with strategic aggression that systematically dismantles opposing cases. The nickname has followed him throughout his defense career, where it now represents his equally relentless advocacy for defendants. While the moniker suggests intensity, Neil balances this courtroom approach with thoughtful strategy and client-focused communication, using his "Rockweiler" persona selectively where it delivers tactical advantages rather than as a universal approach.

Neil Rockind is directly involved in all cases accepted by the firm, though the specific distribution of responsibilities varies based on case complexity and requirements. In major felonies, high-profile matters, and complex cases, Neil typically serves as lead counsel handling critical aspects personally while directing the supporting work of the firm's talented team. In more straightforward matters, Neil oversees strategy and critical decisions while our experienced attorneys handle day-to-day aspects. During initial consultations, we discuss the specific staffing approach for your case based on its unique characteristics. Regardless of the exact distribution of responsibility, all clients benefit from Neil's strategic guidance, experience, and oversight throughout representation.

Initial consultations provide a thorough, candid discussion of your situation and our potential representation. We begin by understanding your case facts, background, and concerns. We then provide our preliminary assessment of your situation, potential defense approaches, and realistic perspectives on challenges and opportunities. We discuss our representation model, including our selective approach and premium fee structure. Unlike consultations that function primarily as sales pitches, we provide substantive insights and straightforward guidance even when that means identifying concerns or limitations in potential defenses. Our goal is ensuring mutual understanding of whether our distinctive approach aligns with your needs, resources, and objectives rather than simply securing your business.