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Switching Sides: James Porfido on Becoming a Defense Attorney After Prosecuting
Episode 3729th April 2026 • Tell Me What It's Like • Stacy Raine
00:00:00 00:44:27

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Note: This episode includes discussion of crime and the criminal justice system, including violent crime.

James Porfido spent years as a prosecutor, working to put accused criminals behind bars—until he made a pivotal shift and began defending them instead. Now, having seen the criminal justice system from both sides, he shares what changed his perspective, what most people misunderstand about fair trials, and why he believes the system doesn’t always deliver equal justice.

" As an attorney, this is how I viewed my transition to becoming a defense attorney: we all are guaranteed a fair trial and due process under the law, and we have constitutional protections. "

Hear James talk about:

  • His path from prosecutor to defense attorney, and what changed his perspective
  • The meaning of “innocent until proven guilty” in practice
  • The state’s obligation in a criminal case
  • The role of a strong defense attorney in ensuring a fair trial
  • Why he believes the justice system isn’t always equal
  • What everyday citizens misunderstand about the legal system

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