Abigail Rae “Abi” Langweiler is the Managing Attorney at Rossen Law Firm. Her practice focuses on serious felonies and high-stakes criminal cases, where the stakes are often nothing less than a client’s future and freedom. With more than fifteen years of experience in indigent defense, complex felony litigation, and legal team leadership, Abi brings a deeply client-centered, holistic approach to every case she touches.
As Managing Attorney, Abi leads Rossen Law Firm’s legal team, mentoring attorneys, refining strategy, and ensuring that every client’s story is heard, understood, and powerfully told in the courtroom. She is committed to ensuring the firm’s high standards of preparation, compassion, and advocacy are reflected in every case.
Who I Am
I’m a trial lawyer, a leader, a mentor, and a mom. I’ve dedicated my career to standing with people in some of the most difficult moments of their lives and to making sure they are seen as more than the worst thing they’re accused of.
I didn’t come to criminal defense by accident. I started my career in indigent defense, working with clients who were often extremely marginalized and overlooked by the system. Many of them had never had a professional truly listen to them.
At home, I talk to my children about my work all the time. They ask why I go to jail, who my clients are, and why I defend them. Those conversations keep me grounded in what I believe: one bad act does not define a person. My job is to make sure decision-makers in the system understand that too.
I’m also passionate about being a visible example for women in criminal defense. This field is still dominated by men, and I want young women lawyers and law students to see that it is possible to build a meaningful criminal defense career, lead a team, and have a full family life. You don’t have to choose between being all-in for your clients and all-in at home. You can do both.
I live in Boca Raton with my husband and our two daughters, who are constant reminders of why this work, protecting futures and expanding second chances, matters so much.
Why I Do This Work
For me, criminal defense is about impact.
Defense work is full of big wins and small wins. Sometimes it’s a dramatic trial result; sometimes it’s helping a client get into the right treatment or support so they never see the inside of a courtroom again. Both matter. Both can completely change the trajectory of a life.
That’s why I do this work.
Background & Education
- Before joining Rossen Law Firm, I served as Deputy Managing Attorney for the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel in Florida’s 4th District.
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism – Ithaca College
- Bar Admission: New Jersey and Florida
Women in Defense & Community
One of my proudest accomplishments has been developing and leading an internship program that produced multiple new criminal defense lawyers. Every year, I’ve gone back to speak to first-year law students about the importance of relationships, community, and understanding the work being done around them.
From those talks grew a passion for creating real opportunities in criminal defense, not just surface-level experiences, but true immersion in the work. We trained interns “in our own image,” with a deep respect for client-centered representation and the human stories behind every case file.
As a woman in a demanding, male-dominated field, I’m equally committed to mentoring women who want to build meaningful careers in criminal law. I believe the passion, empathy, and multitasking that many women bring to the table make us uniquely effective advocates, and I want future generations to see that clearly.
Languages Spoken
English and Spanish
