Colonel Stephen Patrick Reflects on a Career in Law

NJ Criminal Podcast

Colonel Steven Patrick, a retired attorney and former military officer, discusses his career in law and the changes he has witnessed over the past 58 years. He graduated from law school in 1965 and began practicing law in South Jersey. He shares his experiences in the military, including his time in Germany and his service in the National Guard. Colonel Patrick also talks about his transition to criminal defense work and his experiences in the Cumberland County courts. He reflects on his numerous trials and his approach to winning cases. A retired attorney with nearly 60 years of experience, discusses the changes he has witnessed in the practice of law. He highlights the shift from individual lawyer questioning during voir dire to the judge-led questioning system, the transition from paper discovery to electronic discovery, and the increase in paperwork and forms in the legal process. Patrick also shares his thoughts on criminal justice reform, the importance of history, and the challenges of managing the business side of law. He offers advice to young lawyers and reflects on his career. Takeaways Colonel Steven Patrick has been practicing law for 58 years and has witnessed significant changes in the legal profession. He served in the military and was stationed in Germany for three years. Colonel Patrick has been a formidable criminal defense attorney in Cumberland, Cape May, and Atlantic counties. He has handled numerous trials and has a high success rate in winning cases. Colonel Patrick has no interest in becoming a prosecutor or a judge. The practice of law has undergone significant changes over the years, including the shift from individual lawyer questioning during voir dire to judge-led questioning. The transition from paper discovery to electronic discovery has made the process more time-consuming and challenging. There has been an increase in paperwork and forms in the legal process, which can be burdensome for attorneys. Criminal justice reform, including the elimination of cash bail, has had both positive and negative impacts. The study of history can provide valuable insights and perspectives for lawyers. Managing the business side of law can be challenging, and many attorneys struggle with balancing legal expertise and business acumen. Losing cases can be a valuable learning experience for young lawyers. Colonel Patrick encourages young lawyers to focus on the key elements of a case and not get caught up in nitpicking every detail. The Colonel reflects on his career and expresses gratitude for the opportunity to help others. He acknowledges the challenges faced by women in the legal profession and the prevalence of women in government legal positions. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Historical Context 07:07 Military Service and Commission 24:23 Establishing a Solo Law Practice 32:50 Trials and Winning Record 40:17 The Burden of Paperwork 50:34 Balancing Legal Expertise and Business Acumen 01:00:40 Advice for Young Lawyers