Heywood dedicates career to fighting for his disadvantaged clients

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As a lawyer in the Public Defender’s Office in Oshkosh, Eric Heywood handles a complex, mixed caseload and regularly volunteers to take on serious felony cases dealing with everything from sexual assault to robbery and homicide.

He also works with clients in juvenile, mental-health and criminal cases, many of whom have been victims of sex trafficking. Earlier this year, Heywood became a training coordinator in the public defender’s office. He now plans training curriculum for other public defenders, private attorneys and support staff.

Since graduating from law school in 2010, Heywood has achieved various favorable results for his clients. He regularly puts his enthusiasm and keen attention to detail in the service of disadvantaged clients.

“(Eric) is undoubtedly one of the most creative and brilliant attorneys I know,” said Heywood’s fellow defense attorney Enku Edgar Lin. “He is an effective advocate for his clients and maintains a strong relationship and rapport with them. He goes above and beyond expectations for himself, his clients and his office.”

Outside of the courtroom, Heywood freely gives of his time. He’s now involved with a Winnebago County task force on ending youth exploitation and had worked as a member of the Brown County Drug Task Force, which assists with drug treatment while helping reduce the risk of opioid overdoses. Additionally, Heywood has experience volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps.

“I enjoy working directly with my clients, recognizing their humanity and protecting the importance of their liberty,” Heywood said. “I value how teamwork and training with the Public Defender’s Office upholds quality indigent defense. I am grateful for the mentorship and support that has helped me develop as an attorney and appreciate the recognition for my work. I look forward to continuing to advocate for criminal justice reform and the fair treatment of indigent defendants.”