(Washington, DC, July 15, 2024)– Renowned criminal defense attorney Neal R. Sonnett, the founder of Neal R. Sonnett, P.A., of Miami, Florida, passed away on July 11, 2024. A towering figure in the legal world, Sonnett was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to justice and his exceptional legal acumen.
A past president of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), the American Judicature Society, the Florida Bar Foundation, the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Dade County Bar Association, Sonnett’s influence extended far beyond his Miami-based law firm. His contributions to the legal profession were recognized with numerous honors, including the NACDL’s Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award, the ABA’s John H. Pickering Award of Achievement, the 11th Circuit Historical Society’s "Legal Legend" designation, and the Florida Bar Foundation Medal of Honor.
"Neal Sonnett was indeed a legend whose laudable impact on the legal landscape was tremendous," said NACDL President Michael P. Heiskell of Fort Worth, TX. "In 1989, NACDL presented Neal with our most prestigious honor, the Robert C. Heeney Memorial Award, which is given annually to the one criminal defense attorney who best exemplifies the goals and values of the Association, and the legal profession. While we in the defenders’ community will sorely miss him, we take heart in the knowledge that Neal’s legacy as a fierce advocate and tireless champion of justice will endure for generations."
Colleagues and peers alike remembered Sonnett as a mentor, friend, and visionary.
"Neal changed the face of criminal defense and embodied everything good about being a criminal defense lawyer," said NACDL Past President Nina Ginsberg. "You couldn't ask for a better friend."
"Neal was a good person and a great lawyer. I am grateful that he was also a mentor for me because his passion for the law was infectious and his guidance was invaluable," said NACDL Past President Nancy Hollander of Albuquerque.
"We remember Neal Sonnett as a giant, a great lawyer, and even more important, a great organizer. Neal proved to be so instrumental in NACDL’s expansion by opening up good communications with the DOJ that got us a seat at the table," said NACDL Past President Gerald Lefcourt.
"Neal Sonnett never turned away a fellow criminal-defense lawyer who had a question about best trial practices, and he never made a fellow criminal-defense lawyer feel foolish for asking. His late dear friend Albert Krieger was like that, too. Now they're both gone. Those who didn’t know them will never know how much they’ve missed," said Judge Milton Hirsch of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.
"Neal was a great lawyer, and a good human being," said NACDL Past President Martin Pinales. "I had the pleasure of working with him, and he seemed to know in advance what the prosecutor would do. I could always call him to run something past him and he always had time for me."
"Neal was a classmate and friend on whom I could always rely; he always did the right thing," said NACDL Past President Bruce Lyons. "I was privileged to be there when he married Pat and to travel with him and our mutual friend, the late Albert Krieger, to NACDL and ABA events. A great lawyer and a better person you could not ask for. That’s why Albert, in the pages of The Champion, once hailed Neal as a voice of liberty. May the memory of his life be a blessing."
"Neal Sonnett, who always gave of himself to the legal profession, remains a legend in the south Florida legal community and across the country. His commitment to criminal defense was astounding," said NACDL board member Ramon "Ray" de la Cabada of Miami.
"Neal was a formidable opponent for any prosecutor, not just because he was an excellent trial lawyer, but because everyone knew it. He worked throughout his years to ensure the criminal justice system was better for all those with whom he came in contact. This loss will be felt for years to come," said Jason Blank, President of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
"Neal was the Dean of the Florida white collar defense bar," said NACDL Board member Bruce Udolf. "This is a profound loss to the American legal community."
"I had the pleasure of serving on the NACDL Department of Justice Liaison Committee with Neal Sonnett and Albert Krieger," said NACDL Past President Jeff Weiner. "We met with several Attorneys General to discuss key issues of importance to the defense bar. Neal’s input was always important and insightful. I will miss him and his wise counsel. Many people did not know that Neal was also a gifted lounge singer."
"Neal was an accomplished entertainer," said NACDL Past President David Russell. "Several times over the years, we would go to meetings and at night go to clubs. More than once, Neal would know the entertainer and Neal would end up singing and playing the piano. What a great guy and man for all seasons."
A titan in the field of criminal defense, Sonnett was celebrated for his expertise in white-collar, corporate, and complex criminal cases nationwide. Sonnett’s impact extended far beyond the courtroom. In addition to his years of service on the NACDL board of directors, he held leadership positions in numerous legal organizations, including the American Bar Association (ABA) – where he served on the Board of Governors as well as the Chair of the ABA Criminal Justice Section. Beyond his Miami practice, Sonnett previously served with distinction as an Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Criminal Division for the Southern District of Florida.
In keeping with the wishes of Neal R. Sonnett’s family, charitable gifts in his memory may be made to the NACDL Foundation for Criminal Justice (NFCJ) at nfcj.org/NRSonnett.
Jonathan Hutson, NACDL Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications, 202-480-5343 or jhutson@nacdl.org
The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is the preeminent organization advancing the mission of the criminal defense bar to ensure justice and due process for persons accused of crime or wrongdoing. A professional bar association founded in 1958, NACDL's many thousands of direct members in 28 countries – and 90 state, provincial and local affiliate organizations totaling up to 40,000 attorneys – include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, military defense counsel, law professors and judges committed to preserving fairness and promoting a rational and humane criminal legal system.
