The Sentencing Hearing: Preparation, Strategy, and Advocacy
Tracks
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| Saturday, November 7, 2026 |
| 10:50 AM - 11:50 AM |
| Redbird EFG |
Overview
Editha Rosario-Moore, Attorney Supervisor and Rory McHale, Attorney Supervisor, Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
Details
This training will review the preparation, strategy, and advocacy essential to effective sentencing hearings in Illinois. Participants will learn practical techniques for investigating and developing mitigation evidence, preparing clients and witnesses, presenting persuasive sentencing arguments, and countering aggravating evidence and the State’s sentencing recommendations. The session will also examine strategies for building a compelling, client-centered sentencing narrative, advocating for an individualized and appropriate sentence, creating a strong record for review, and preserving issues for appeal.
Speaker
Matthew Daniels
Supervisor, Legal Services
Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender, Professional Development Division
Sentencing Hearings and Preserving Issues for Appeal
Biography
Rory McHale
Attorney Supervisor
Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender
Sentencing Hearings and Preserving Issues for Appeal
Biography
Ms. Editha Rosario-Moore
Attorney Supervisor
Law Office Of The Cook County Public Defender
The Sentencing Hearing: Preparation, Strategy, and Advocacy
Biography
Editha Rosario-Moore is an Attorney Supervisor in the Professional Development Division of the Cook County Public Defender. A Chicago native, she earned a BS degree from Northwestern University, an MA degree from New York University, and a JD from Tulane University Law School. Previously, she worked for the Office of the State Appellate Defender and argued cases in the Third and Fourth Judicial Districts, as well as the Illinois Supreme Court. Editha previously taught for the DePaul Law Criminal Appeals Clinic. She has also worked as a theater artist and multi-disciplinary educator in Chicago, New York, and New Orleans. Editha was a recipient of the Bruce Robert Jacob Award in 2019.
