Phil Horowitz is Special Counsel to Rossen Law Firm. He has been a practicing criminal defense attorney since 1985, bringing 41 years of legal experience to clients facing serious criminal charges.
For more than 35 years, Phil has served on the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel in both the Southern District of Florida and the Middle District of Florida. Through that role, federal judges appoint him to represent clients in serious federal criminal cases, reflecting his experience, credibility, and skill in complex federal defense work.
Since 2011, Phil has served on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Miami Chapter, further demonstrating his commitment to the criminal defense community and the continued advancement of the profession.
As Special Counsel to Rossen Law Firm, Phil brings extensive federal criminal defense experience, decades of courtroom judgment, and a steady, strategic approach to clients facing high-stakes criminal matters.
Who I Am
I am a criminal defense attorney with more than 40 years of experience representing people accused of crimes.
My career has been focused on defending clients in serious criminal matters, especially in federal court. Over the years, I have learned that strong criminal defense requires preparation, judgment, patience, and the ability to see both the legal issues and the human being behind the case.
As Special Counsel to Rossen Law Firm, I bring decades of experience to support the firm’s defense of clients facing serious state and federal criminal charges.
Why I Do This Work
I do this work because criminal defense matters.
When someone is charged with a crime, especially in federal court, the consequences can be life-changing. The process is intimidating, the government has enormous resources, and clients need experienced counsel who can guide them through the system with clarity and strength.
For more than four decades, I have focused my work on standing beside people in those moments. My role is to protect their rights, challenge the government’s case, and help them make informed decisions at every stage of the process.
Background & Education
- Of Counsel, Rossen Law Firm
- Criminal Defense Attorney — 1985–Present
- CJA Panel Attorney, Southern District of Florida — Nearly 40 Years
Appointed by federal judges to represent clients in serious federal criminal matters. - CJA Panel Attorney, Middle District of Florida — Nearly 40 Years
Appointed by federal judges to represent clients in serious federal criminal matters. - Board of Directors, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Miami Chapter — 2011–Present
- Juris Doctor, University of Miami School of Law — 1984
- Bachelor’s Degree, State University of New York at Stony Brook
- Bronx High School of Science
- Member, The Florida Bar
- Admitted in Various Federal District and Appellate Courts
- Admitted, United States Supreme Court
Awards & Recognition
- 40+ Years Practicing Criminal Defense
- Nearly 30 Years on the CJA Panel in the Southern District of Florida
- Nearly 30 Years on the CJA Panel in the Middle District of Florida
- Board of Directors, Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Miami Chapter — 2011–Present
- Admitted to the United States Supreme Court
Languages Spoken
- English
