Heywood quickly makes name as skilled litigator

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Christine Heywood never moves slowly.

After she graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2011, she embarked on her legal career with the Appleton Public Defender’s Office. In her first year of practicing law, she started participating in jury trials, and soon became established as one of the most skilled local litigators.

She has handled various high-level sexual assault trials, as well as domestic-violence and drug-possession cases, where she has diligently advocated for her clients, both in and out of the courtroom.

“She is comfortable doing everything from interlocutory appeals, motions to suppress and using expert’s testimony — whatever the case requires,” said Outagamie County Assistant State Public Defender Robert Welygan. “Christine is well-known throughout the northeast Wisconsin legal community for her dedication to her clients and her litigation abilities.

She is well-deserving of any and all recognition for her efforts.”

Heywood has also taken part for the past several years in the Outagamie County Veterans Court, where she works as a public defender representative. She also takes cases in Calumet County.

Outside of her legal work, she is a dedicated mother and wife.

“As a public defender I get to go to court every day and constantly focus on the positive qualities in people,” Heywood said. “I feel privileged to get to know my clients, tell their stories and humanize them for the DA, judge and jury.

“I would not be able to do what I do without my co-worker’s willingness to brainstorm cases with me and provide helpful feedback.”