In this episode of Vitals and Verdicts, Doreen Riordan sits down with Alex Settle, Esq., a Certified Criminal Defense Attorney from New Jersey, to talk about his journey into criminal law, trial experience, client advocacy, teaching, and the realities of practicing criminal defense. Alex shares how a childhood interest in trial advocacy eventually led him to criminal law during his final year of law school. After working as a solo attorney and serving as a prosecutor, he moved to the public defender’s office, where he now handles a wide range of criminal cases, from lower-level offenses to first-degree murder cases. The conversation explores what it takes to be an effective criminal defense attorney, including the importance of preparation, presentation, respect, and genuinely caring about clients. Alex also shares lessons from his first criminal trial, why there is no such thing as a “slam dunk” case, and how trial experience has shaped the way he approaches his work. Doreen and Alex also discuss the role of AI in legal practice, including how AI can be a useful tool when properly reviewed and why attorneys need to verify citations and information before relying on AI-generated legal work. The episode also touches on Alex’s experience teaching at Rowan University, recognizing patterns and “tells” during trial, balancing a demanding legal career with family life, and the importance of being present for the people who matter most. In this episode: • Alex Settle’s journey into criminal defense • From prosecutor to public defender • Lessons from his first criminal trial • Why there is no such thing as a “slam dunk” case • The importance of preparation, presentation, and respect • Caring for clients and protecting their rights • Common misconceptions about criminal defense attorneys • Understanding the presumption of innocence • What makes prosecutor-defense attorney relationships work • Learning from trial mistakes • How AI is being used in legal practice • The importance of verifying AI-generated legal research • Teaching criminal law and bringing real-world experience into the classroom • Recognizing patterns and witness behavior during trial • Balancing law, teaching, exercise, and family life • Building supportive professional relationships through LinkedIn • Advice for attorneys starting their careers CONNECT WITH ALEX SETTLE, ESQ. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsettleesq/ CONNECT WITH DOREEN Website: https://www.riordanrnexpert.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riordanrnexpert/ 🎙️ About the Show Hosted by Doreen Riordan, this podcast features conversations with leaders in healthcare, law, business, and entrepreneurship who share practical advice, career insights, and inspiring stories to help professionals grow both personally and professionally. Subscribe for new episodes featuring industry experts and thought leaders, released Mondays at 9am!
