Neal Sonnett, a legendary Miami criminal defense attorney with a nationwide reputation as one of the finest criminal defense attorneys of his generation has passed away.
We never worked on a case with Mr. Sonnett, but from our earliest days he was a presence in Miami state and federal courts. And as his career progressed, he developed a national reputation. He was a lawyer's lawyer- the lawyer that a criminal defense attorney kept in his/her mind as the lawyer to call if he/she needed counsel.
Neal Sonnett was truly a legend and his passing leaves all of us a little worse off.
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| Neal Sonnett |
12 comments:
He will be missed. Rest in peace old friend.
I'm so sad. I learned Neal Sonnett, Esq just passed. I was with Neal for ten years. He was my mentor, my friend, colleague. He had a heart of gold. He is probably one of the more influential people in my life. He taught me that practicing law is a privilege and an obligation. He was also President of the Board of Directors at Transition Inc. A position I held for six years. He taught me about service. He taught me that representing clients goes beyond the courtroom. He started me in my career in white collar law in South Florida. I cannot count the number of cases and trials we had together but I was always amazed at his skill not only with juries but with judges. I watched him cross exam witnesses and bring them around to making them our witness. I witnessed him talking to Judges as they reversed whatever decisions they had made. I was but one of many young lawyers he mentored through the years. This is a monumental loss to the Bar…while we had arguments at times, I always loved him…he always cared and I felt it. He did so much for the community..he had a real impact in so many areas of the law.
Everything he did was with honor and dignity. A part of me is gone ☹
Neal was a lawyer's lawyer and the epitome of professionalism and ethics. He, Jon Sale, Ben Kuehne, and David Tucker saved me from a career of only practicing civil law. I was his associate for nearly four years. Neal "second chaired" my first federal criminal case. And he did me the honor of speaking at my investiture. My admiration and respect for him is boundless.
Soon after starting the criminal division, Neal was counsel on a matter. I disclosed my history with Neal, but the prosecutor didn't ask me to recuse. So I brought them side bar and told the prosecutor to rethink his position because he would never be able to convince me that any representation Neal made was anything other than 100% accurate. Neal was so respected that the prosecutor not only refused to recuse me but said he would take Neal's word over his own!
Neal was also incredibly generous. When I formed my own firm, he let me and my partner use two of the offices in his suite rent-free for months. A mitzvah I never forgot and when I paid it forward, I made sure to give Neal credit.
He will be dearly missed. May his memory always be a blessing to Pat, his family, and the legal profession. I know it will be to me.
So saddened by this news. In 1984 I worked with him and other great high profile attorneys on the large multi defendant Oil and Gas Federal trial. Best attorneys in Miami were on that case, Roy Black, David Rosen, Bill Moran, Bob Josephberg, Tom Scalfani to name just a few. We were in Federal Court for more than four months before Judge Davis. I was the only female defense attorney and only one of two court appointed attorneys. I did not have many trials under my belt. It was quite intimidating to give my closing before that prestigious group. I'll never forget that Neal took the time to seek me out and complimented me on my closing. Coming from him it was the greatest compliment I ever received. He made me feel ten feet tall. He had a better voice than Walter Cronkite. He spoke with such gravitas! My condolences to his family for their loss.
The passing of three criminal defense giants. Jay Hogan, Albert Krieger and now, sadly Neal Sonnett.
I had the privilege of collaborating with Neal defending several cases as well as serving with him as Florida Bar delegates to the national ABA conventions. Therefore, I was able to witness a great trial attorney and a champion of the criminal justice system.
Whenever Neal addressed fellow ABA national delegates on matters pertaining to criminal justice issues his presentations and positions were held in the highest esteem.
Rest in peace Neal.
Stephen Bronis said...
The passing of three criminal defense giants. Jay Hogan, Albert Krieger and now, sadly Neal Sonnett.
I had the privilege of collaborating with Neal defending several cases as well as serving with him as Florida Bar delegates to the national ABA conventions. Therefore, I was able to witness a great trial attorney and a champion of the criminal justice system.
Whenever Neal addressed fellow ABA national delegates on matters pertaining to criminal justice issues his presentations and positions were held in the highest esteem.
Rest in peace Neal.
What a wonderful comment Ms Hamilton. Could you tell us more about that case?
Thank you for soliciting more information. It actually jogged my memory.
This multi count RICO case was based on boiler room sales of worthless oil and gas leases. My client was charged in 29 counts. Jane Moscowitz was the AUSA who ably prosecuted the case. She did a monumental job.I remember Ben Kuehne being there with Neil most days.
I have one tidbit worth sharing.There was a jury questionnaire and one jurors'wacky responses stood out. I remember his full name to this day,T.B.for now. Although intimidated by this group of alpha males, I argued I did not want T.B. discarded based on his written answers. I wanted him questioned in person. What appeared was a small man wearing, I kid you not, brocade Aladdin slippers with curly pointed toes. I LOVED him. NO ONE ELSE did. All wanted him struck, so I made a deal. If they kept T.B., I promised to remain silent on all other jurors. Amidst snickers, I recall Neal supporting me.
With T.B.on the jury, we proceeded to the lengthy four month trial. Nothing of note on the jury front happened UNTIL after the government & state rested and we were on a 3 day recess to prepare jury instructions.
Judge Davis called all attorneys into court on an emergency. His chambers had received an anonymous call from a juror alleging jury misconduct. I remember passing a note around saying, I bet that it was T.B. And I was right. T.B. was our whistle blower. He heard 2 jurors talking smack about the defendants between themselves. T.B. AND the 2 jurors were dismissed.
Neil was the ONLY attorney who took the time to seek me out after my closing. He complimented me on my closing and on my intuition and instincts fighting for T.B. to remain on the jury. My client was acquitted of 28 counts but found guilty on ONE. I don't remember the outcome of the others but I do not believe anyone was outright acquitted.I will never forget Neil's kindness.
Love the story
I too was in the US Oil & Gas case with Neal , shortly after I left the United States Attorney’s Office in Miami . Neal was a master, and watching him cross examine witnesses and presenting arguments to the court was a memorable learning experience for me. His closing argument was beautiful in ways that maybe only a lawyer could fully appreciate. When Neal set his gifted mind to work, there was no one better.
Over the years he became a friend. He will be missed by many and by our profession.
I was fortunate enough to serve on a board with Neal for what was then the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Neal cared deeply for his community and trying to unite this town. He was a great example to live up to. He was not only a fantastic lawyer, but he cared about his community and gave back with his time and money. He will be missed.
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