The Zwerdling Law Firm, LLP is proud to announce that partner Heidi Holmquist Wells has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the “40 Under 40” outstanding criminal defense trial attorneys in California.
“Each of our distinguished Top 40 under 40 members strives to encompass the knowledge, skill, experience and success held by only the best lawyers in America. It is our mission to promote a unique and professional networking opportunity for young lawyers, while developing progressive ideas to pursue justice for those injured by the negligence of others, to educate the public about the importance of access to courts that are free of bias and undue influence, and to protect the right of trial by jury.” – The National Trial Lawyers*
Heidi Holmquist Wells, at 33, has experienced great success in complex criminal litigation. In 2016, after the first jury was unable to reach a verdict, her client Jason Arreaga was acquitted by jury of two counts of first degree murder with a firearm. During her seven years at the Humboldt County Public Defender’s Office, she tenaciously litigated murder cases, sexual abuse cases, and almost every type of felony and misdemeanor case.
Ms. Wells has seen first hand how access to the courts is vital, especially to those without power, money, or influence. While many attorneys never step foot in a courtroom, she has a deep understanding of how those in the justice system seek to solve the community’s problems on a daily basis. Ms. Wells believes that in America, we hold freedom as the greatest virtue of our society. This concept of freedom stems from the construction of a judiciary system that sees everyone equally, and from lawyers who know how to navigate that system. While she has now settled into private practice, representing both criminal defendants and plaintiffs in personal injury cases, she carries the lessons she learned representing the indigent in every aspect of her practice. She is also an active member of her local Crisis Intervention Team, a program designed to educate law enforcement and community partners regarding the challenges related to mental illness.
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*The National Trial Lawyers is a member-driver organization composed of premier trial lawyers from across the country who meet stringent qualifications as civil plaintiff and/or criminal defense trial lawyers. Membership is extended solely to the select few of the most qualified attorneys from each state who demonstrate superior qualifications of leadership, reputation, influence, stature and public profile measured by objective and uniformly applied standards in compliance with state bar and national Rule 4-7. Invitees must exemplify superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young lawyer under the age of 40. Selection is based on a thorough multi-phase objective process which includes peer nominations combined with third-party research.