Olivia K. Heffernan

Prior Experience

Before joining the firm, Olivia gained broad experience in criminal defense, public service and complex civil litigation. As a clinical extern with the Public Defender’s Association of Philadelphia, she represented indigent clients in all phases of criminal defense, including hearings and misdemeanor trials, under attorney supervision. She developed and executed defense strategies, conducted examinations in court and negotiated plea agreements with prosecutors.

Olivia served as a summer associate with the firm in 2024; she conducted legal research and drafted memoranda, client advisories, and motion briefs in civil litigation and white-collar investigations. Earlier, she worked with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Conviction Integrity Unit, assessing post-conviction innocence claims, and interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, supporting both criminal and civil matters.

Committed to advancing health equity, Olivia also co-founded Launch Community Health League, a nonprofit organization addressing medical disparities in underserved communities, where she helped develop governance documents, compliance materials and strategic community partnerships.

Personal Interests

Outside of the office, Olivia enjoys hands-on and creative pursuits including woodcarving and bone preservation. She practices karate and studies Middle and Old English language and literature. Olivia also spends free time playing video games and writing fiction.