Episodes

What makes an effective criminal trial attorney? Is it experience, preparation, courtroom confidence, or the ability to recognize weaknesses in a case before trial? On this episode of the Mighty MERP Podcast, New Jersey criminal defense attorney Melissa Rosenblum welcomes back Alex Settle, Esq., a former prosecutor and current attorney with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender. Alex is back for a conversation about what it takes to become an effective trial lawyer. Drawing on their e...

In this episode of the Mighty MERP Podcast, attorney Melissa Rosenblum sits down with experienced New Jersey DWI defense attorneys Peter Lederman and Evan Levow for an in-depth discussion of what defense lawyers are seeing right now in DWI cases across the state.

AI is no longer a novelty in law—it’s built into the tools attorneys already use every day. In this episode, Melissa talks with trial attorney Alex Settle about what that actually means for practicing lawyers, especially those who try cases in real courtrooms.

Mighty MERP dives into the real-world intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system in this powerful conversation with Meg McCormick Hoerner and Gretchen Pickering. From first police contact through case disposition, they unpack how mental health shapes every phase of a criminal case—and why diversion, treatment, and nuanced responses are essential for both rehabilitation and public safety.​

The conversation also touches on branding and differentiation in legal practice, highlighting how personal stories and unique approaches can significantly impact a lawyer's career.

In this episode, host Melissa Rosenblum speaks with Rosenblit about workforce growth, modern hiring strategies, and how Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) is expanding critical services while creating meaningful career opportunities.

In this episode of the Mighty MERP Podcast, host Mighty MERP interviews Jessica Budrock, a family law attorney from South Jersey. They discuss Jessica's journey into family law, her philosophy on client-centered representation, and the various aspects of family law practice. Jessica shares her experiences in opening her own law firm, the importance of marketing and community involvement, and the challenges of balancing compassion with honest legal advice. The conversation highlights the...

In this episode, Dr. Nina Stolzenberg shares her journey from working in pediatric psychology to leading vocational services at JFS.

In this conversation, Richie Lomurro and Mighty Merp dig into the intricacies of trial law, discussing various aspects such as trial styles, the importance of authenticity, and the art of cross-examination.

Mighty MERP is joined by fellow change-agent, attorney, and past President of the NJSBA Jeralyn Lawrence.

NJ Family Law attorney, Maritza Rodriguez shares her journey from law school to her current role in advocating for lawyer well-being.

In this heartfelt episode of the Mighty MERP podcast, host Melissa Rosenblum speaks with Dawn and Sydney Geller about their son and brother, Dylan, who tragically passed away.

In this episode, Mighty Merp interviews Alex Settle, a seasoned trial attorney who transitioned from prosecution to defense. They discuss the responsibilities of a prosecutor, the importance of mitigation in legal defense, and the dynamics of trial strategies. Alex shares insights on effective trial attorney traits, the significance of staying updated with case law, and the value of building a strong legal reputation. The conversation highlights the unique challenges and rewards of bein...

Attorney Robert Bianchi joins MERP to explore personal journeys, the impact of leadership in the prosecutor's office, and the power of mercy in justice.

This conversation with David highlights the significance of prioritizing wellness, personal growth, and the impact of community in the legal field.

Prescott Loveland shares his personal journey to becoming a public defender, emphasizing the importance of understanding clients as dynamic individuals rather than just cases.

In this episode of the Mighty MERP Podcast, host Melissa Rosenblum speaks with Lily Elsohn, Senior Director of Mental Health Services at Jewish Family Services (JFS) of Atlantic and Cape May counties. They discuss Lily's journey into mental health, the vital programs offered by JFS, including Community Support Services (CSS) and the PATH program, and the challenges faced in providing mental health support in the community. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy, the changing...

In this episode of the Mighty MERP Podcast, host Melissa Rosenbllum interviews Begum Malali, the Director of Food Security Initiatives at Jewish Family Services.

In this gummi-bear fueled conversation, the Rosenblum sisters explore various themes surrounding parenting, family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up in today's world.

Judge Maven reflects on her journey as the first black woman judge in Atlantic County, discussing the challenges and responsibilities that come with the role.

Kristin shares her personal experiences with burnout, the decision to leave her law firm, and the search for a new role that aligns with her values and needs.

Kristin reflects on the importance of work-life balance, the impact of burnout, and the lessons learned about self-care and client relationships. The conversation highlights the unique challenges of practicing law and the need for support within the legal community.

In this episode of the Mighty MERP podcast, Dr. Dawn Hughes, a clinical and forensic psychologist, discusses her career path and expertise in intimate partner violence and trauma.

Join the Mighty LoMURRo podcast ⚖️ with pirate-host Rich Lomurro taking over for Melissa Rosenblum.