Maggie A. Heim attended St. John’s College and Northwestern University School of Law. After a fellowship at the ACLU National Prison Project, she joined the Office of the State Appellate Defender, spending time in both the Mount Vernon and Chicago offices. After 10 years as an assistant appellate defender, she became the Assistant Director of Training at OSAD. She has two ferocious cats named Charlie and Boo who enjoy climbing her curtains and knocking over cake plates.

Laura Weiler is the Director of Training at OSAD, where she’s worked for over 20 years. She was an Assistant Appellate Defender for 11 years in the First District prior to her work as the Director of Training. She’s appeared before the Illinois Supreme Court, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, the Illinois Appellate Court, and the Circuit Court of Cook County. Laura has given over 50 presentations on the topics of appellate advocacy and criminal law. She has developed and helmed multiple Trial Advocacy programs and Public Defender Seminars. She also works closely with Chief Public Defenders seeking training and collaboration. Laura is the Secretary of the Illinois Public Defender Association and the State Appellate Defender’s liaison with the Illinois Council of Chief Defenders.