Neal always knew he wanted to have a career in the courtroom. At a young age he eagerly watched from the back of the courtroom as his dad testified as a police officer in Des Moines, Iowa. Later, his interest in the law and litigation lead him to travel the country competing as part of the University of Iowa's mock trial program. After winning two national championships and two All-American awards as an attorney-competitor at the University of Iowa, Neal started coaching the program and led the program to five consecutive top-five finishes in a row.

In 2009, Neal moved to southwest Ohio to practice law and coach mock trial at Miami University. With Haughey & Niehaus, LLC, Neal's primary practice focus is Criminal and OVI/DUI Defense. Never shying away from a contested hearing or trial, Neal has defended clients at trial for misdemeanors and felonies, and argued in front of the Twelfth District Court of Appeals. 

Based out of Haughey & Niehaus' Oxford office, the majority of Neal's clients are Miami University students facing charges in Butler County. Neal also has extensive experience handling university disciplinary hearings for first-time offenders and those students facing dismissal or supsension. While most offenses are alcohol and/or drug-related, Neal has experience with sexual assualt, other violent offenses, and theft-related sanctions from Miami University as well.