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In a world where doubt and skepticism often overshadow the pursuit of dreams, many individuals face naysayers who criticize their abilities. Yet, there are extraordinary souls who refuse to let limitations imposed by others define their potential. As they embark on their journey toward greatness, they defy the odds and show that with determination and self-belief, success knows no boundaries.
One inspiring tale of transformation is that of New Jersey-based attorney Brett Rosen who was recently selected to the Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for criminal defense. Rosen, who had to face a number of setbacks on his success journey, has been on the list for the past four years, proving his doubters wrong.
“In college, I had a professor who told me I wasn’t smart enough to go to law school. He mentioned I wouldn’t succeed in his class either,” Rosen recalls. “I even had a teacher in high school tell me that I wouldn’t get into the college I applied for.”
Rosen became the first in his family to pursue a law degree despite the discouragement, inspired by a former FBI agent who had revealed to him that the Bureau primarily sought accountants and lawyers. Since mathematics wasn’t Rosen’s forte, he enrolled at the University of Rhode Island, where he obtained a BA degree, followed by a JD degree at the Roger Williams University School of Law.
While interning as a student prosecutor for misdemeanor cases, Rosen participated in many hearings as well as a jury trial that helped him discover a passion for criminal defense. He also participated in the Advanced Criminal Defense Clinic as a student attorney in law school and tried a bench trial at the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal.
This experience furthered his love for criminal defense, but after graduation, Rosen struggled with finding a job that aligned with his interests.
“I was the first in my family to become a lawyer. I didn’t have any connections or a line-up job,” Rosen reveals. “I didn’t want to do unrelated internships. I wanted to be back in the courtroom, so my first job was at a personal injury firm where I worked for a few months.”
Rosen was offered a job by Eric Bennett who was his opponent in a case that resulted in a settlement. After the trial, Bennett approached him with a job offer that helped Rosen put his foot through the door of trying jury trials.
“Bennett had a profound impact on my life. If it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Rosen says. “I worked for him for nine months, and I had the chance to handle and try many different cases. It was challenging, but it helped me get to my current place.”
Over the years, Rosen’s cases were as versatile as they were complex, and he’s been no stranger to high-profile clients. He’s represented celebrity clients on domestic violence and drug cases, and his portfolio ranges from speeding tickets to severe criminal charges. Most recently, he’s won a substantial alleged sexual assault case, which has catapulted his career to greater heights.
When asked why he remains in criminal defense, Rosen shares: “There’s something about standing up for the underdog and giving them the rights they deserve under American law. Even if someone is guilty, they shouldn’t be mistreated. Some individuals are more vulnerable, especially when facing a powerful government, so I refuse to tolerate injustice.”
