Bruce Roistacher is a Senior Criminal Defense Attorney at Rossen Law Firm with more than 40 years of experience and has represented over 10,000 clients in New York and Florida. A veteran of 100+ jury trials, Bruce brings rare, dual-sided insight as a former Assistant District Attorney in New York and a Public Defender in Broward County, Florida. He has defended everything from first-time misdemeanors to complex, high-stakes felonies. He is known for poised courtroom advocacy, meticulous preparation, and a relentless focus on protecting his clients’ futures.
Who I Am
I’m a trial lawyer to the core. I believe every person deserves to be heard—and defended—by someone who will stand firm when the pressure is on. My first job is to listen; my second is to build the strongest strategy the facts and the law allow. I’m also an actor by training, which sharpened the skills that matter in court: presence, clarity, storytelling, and persuasion. Outside the courtroom, I’m a proud father and grandfather, and nothing grounds me more than time with my family.
Why I Do This Work
I’ve seen how fast an accusation can threaten a career, a family, and a future. Working on both sides of the aisle —prosecution and defense —taught me where cases are won and lost: at the margins, in the details, and in the courage to try a case when justice demands it. I chose criminal defense because every client deserves a champion who won’t back down and won’t forget the human being at the center.
My Background & Education
- Assistant District Attorney, New York – prosecuted organized crime, gang cases, and complex felonies
- Public Defender, Broward County, Florida – daily courtroom advocacy for indigent clients
- Founder, Private Criminal Defense Practice (30+ years) – trials, motion practice, injunctions, appeals, and federal matters
- Handled cases across county, juvenile, state, federal, family, civil, and criminal courts; extensive experience with pre-trial hearings, depositions, and protective injunctions (domestic, stalking, repeat, sexual, and dating)
- Represented clients in immigration removal hearings before federal administrative judges
- J.D., Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law
- B.A., Theatre Arts, University of Miami
Awards & Recognition
- Tried 100+ jury trials with a track record of not-guilty verdicts and dismissals in serious felony matters
- Community commendations, including recognition from the Asian community following back-to-back jury acquittals in high-profile sex offense cases
- Presenter, “What Lawyers Can Learn from Actors”—a seminar blending advocacy, performance, and clarity of communication
- Bar Admissions: The Florida Bar; New York State Bar
