On this episode of Grit Daily Startup Show, host Jordan French sits down with Ken Rosenfeld, a managing partner of the Rosenfeld Law Firm with over three decades navigating the high-stakes world of criminal defense, where the consequences of failure can mean life-changing penalties for his clients.
As the managing partner of the Rosenfeld Law Firm, which operates four offices across California, Rosenfeld’s work involves representing a wide range of clients — from everyday individuals to high-profile celebrities and athletes. But it is his unique approach to the law that sets him apart: a relentless focus on achieving the best possible outcome for each client, no matter the odds.
Winning Cases by Redefining Success
When it comes to criminal defense, the definition of a “win” isn’t always straightforward. Rosenfeld’s practice handles everything from misdemeanors to death penalty cases, where a jury verdict of “not guilty” might seem like the ultimate goal. However, for him, success is often more nuanced.
The firm regularly secures alternative outcomes such as mental health diversion programs or reduced sentences, outcomes that can spare clients from years behind bars. For example, in one case, a client facing life without parole after firing a gun during a mental health crisis was instead placed into a treatment program. Rosenfeld believes that these types of results are just as important as courtroom victories because they change lives.
Advocating for Mental Health in the Legal System
As a whole, Rosenfeld’s work is deeply tied to the growing awareness of mental health in society and its implications in the legal system. His firm routinely incorporates mental health considerations into their defense strategies, using tools like brain scans to demonstrate how disorders like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can impact behavior.
By utilizing mental health insights, they can often help secure treatment-focused resolutions instead of harsh prison sentences. It is a progressive approach that reflects broader societal changes, with conversations around mental health becoming more open and helping shift the legal landscape.
However, Rosenfeld acknowledges that there are still challenges to bringing these issues into court. For instance, balancing a client’s privacy with their defense. This requires careful strategy, but his team excels in navigating these complexities.
Balancing Law and Leadership
As both a litigator and the head of a growing law firm, Rosenfeld juggles multiple roles. Leading a team of attorneys and managing the business side of the firm is no easy feat, especially in California’s heavily regulated environment. Still, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on what matters most: winning cases and delivering justice for clients.
Rosenfeld’s no-nonsense approach resonates with those he represents. He believes in projecting calm and confidence, qualities that inspire trust in clients facing some of the most stressful moments of their lives. His team balances this with a mix of personalities, ensuring clients receive both strategic guidance and empathetic support.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
Rosenfeld’s firm has grown into one of the largest criminal defense practices in California, but the journey began humbly in a small office with minimal resources. Reflecting on his career, Rosenfeld attributes his success to hard work, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. Over the years, the firm has become known for taking on complex cases and achieving results that few others can match.
For Rosenfeld, the mission goes beyond winning cases. It’s about leveling the playing field for clients who often feel powerless against the system. Criminal defense is inherently an underdog’s fight, and Rosenfeld has built his career on being a relentless advocate for those in need.
By combining legal expertise, cutting-edge tools, and a genuine passion for justice, Rosenfeld and his firm have not only set a high standard for criminal defense but also redefined what it means to “win” in the courtroom.
