(NewsNation) — NewsNation’s Jesse Weber says Alan Jackson may have backed out of serving as Nick Reiner’s lawyer because of possible failed compensation.
“Boy, that is quite a twist,” Weber told “Elizabeth Vargas Reports” on Wednesday. “Could it be an issue of can he pay Alan Jackson, and can he pay for the experts that are needed in this case?”
Reiner, whose arraignment was postponed to February, is facing first-degree murder charges in connection to the death of his parents, actor and director Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner. The couple was found stabbed to death in their Southern California home on Dec. 14, after being discovered by their daughter.
Jackson, who was meant to represent Reiner, withdrew as counsel after asking a judge. He said his legal team had devoted “literally every waking hour” over the past three weeks to investigating the case to prove Nick Reiner is not guilty.
Jackson, considered one of California’s top 100 lawyers, has represented high-profile defendants such as Kevin Spacey, Karen Read, Harvey Weinstein and Naasón Joaquín García, the third leader of the La Luz del Mundo church.
Director Rob Reiner and wife Michele Singer attend the premiere of “The Magic of Belle Isle” at the Directors Guild of America on June 20, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) 
Nick Reiner arrives at the premiere of “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” on Sept. 9, 2025, at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)
During a news conference, Jackson said he couldn’t legally say why he couldn’t continue as Reiner’s attorney.
“Remember, he didn’t say he didn’t do it,” Weber pointed out. “He said he’s not guilty. That’s a legal term. I’ve always said that I think they’re moving forward with a mental health defense, with an insanity defense. If you’re talking about a defense of insanity, and this is based so much on mental health experts, if he can’t afford it, if he can’t pay for these experts, then that could be a problem.”
Alan Jackson is who you want in your corner: Jesse Weber
Weber says a high-profile celebrity lawyer could be key for cases like Reiner’s.
“Top of the line guy,” Weber added. “And this is not to go against public defenders, but this is an attorney that you definitely want in your corner.”
“Sometimes you have high-profile attorneys who will take these kinds of cases on a different kind of basis, a contingency basis. They might take it on a pro bono basis. But if this is a situation where it is going to go on for quite some time and is going to be complicated. They need to be paid for it, and they need to pay for the experts,” Weber said.
A motive for the killings has not been established, but multiple reports indicate Reiner, 32, had argued with his father at a party hosted by Conan O’Brien on Dec. 13. Reiner, who lived with his parents, has previously spoken openly about his struggles with drug addiction and periods of homelessness, and co-wrote a movie inspired by his struggles with his father.
Catch Jesse Weber’s new weeknight show at 11 p.m. EST starting in late January.