Jeff Weiner, Class of 1974

Leading criminal defense attorney

Jeff Weiner is a leading criminal defense attorney who has been practicing for nearly forty years. As Managing Partner of Jeffrey S. Weiner, P.A., he represents U.S. citizens and foreign nationals in international criminal law matters and members of various professions before regulatory agencies. His cases are often high profile, in which he represents professional athletes, politicians and business executives. He has argued before numerous Florida and Federal courts of appeal, as well as the Florida Supreme Court and the United States Supreme Court. In addition to his legal practice, Weiner has served as the president of both the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys Association and a former chairman of the Miami-Dade County Bar Association Criminal Courts Committee and of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers criminal law section. He is a former regent of the National Criminal Defense College and co-authored O’Connor’s Federal Criminal Rules & Code Plus, an important reference source for attorneys and judges throughout the United States.

Who was your favorite professor?

Shel Singer. His criminal law class was so fun that we couldn’t wait to get there. He was funny as could be. Also, Dean Sidaro, who’s since passed away. Lew Collins’ class was always fun - his sense of humor is wonderful. Warren Wolfson is as fine of a Trial Advocacy teacher anyone could have, any time, any place.

What would people find most surprising about you?

Usually, that I went to a military academy and that all of my boys went there, too. We also own and ride horses, and we own and ride motorcycles as well. I was also elected recently as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

I’ve had cases all over the country- in over 25 states, both trials and appeals. I wrote a book that almost every federal judge has, called “Federal Criminal Rules and Codes Plus”. Many people call it the Bible for federal court. The book is annotated with the latest cases. It’s the best single volume for a federal lawyer to bring into court because it’s got everything in it. It’s a best-seller and we’re getting ready to enter into the 5th edition.

What does the future hold for you?

I’ve spoken in about 30 different states, and I do that about 20 times a year. I just taught at Tulane and I’ve been invited to Westpoint. I also taught at Stetson, University of Miami, St. Thomas University, and Hofstra University. I give back as much as I can and I teach lawyers all over the nation and at law schools as well.

How did Chicago-Kent prepare you for your present success?

Kent made my career possible. I love Kent and I love this school. I can still remember the smell of the old, musty law books in the building. It was really special; it was great. The building now is world-class and spectacular.