John Heil Jr.

John Heil Jr. is the Office Managing Partner and Shareholder at Heyl Royster in Peoria, Illinois. With more than 25 years of trial and litigation experience, he is recognized for his strategic counsel, leadership, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of attorneys. His practice encompasses business and commercial litigation, civil rights defense, and complex tort claims.

A Chicago-area native, John earned his Bachelor of Science degree, magna cum laude, in Political Science and History from Bradley University, before obtaining his Juris Doctor degree with honors from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Before joining Heyl Royster in 2007, he spent 11 years with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where he tried numerous felony cases and defended Cook County, its officials, and employees in state and federal civil litigation, including high-profile federal civil rights cases.

At Heyl Royster, John leverages his extensive courtroom experience to represent businesses, individuals, insurers, and government entities. His pragmatic approach emphasizes clear communication, strategic efficiency, and adaptability—balancing aggressive advocacy with cost-effective solutions. As co-chair of the firm’s Business and Commercial Litigation Practice Group, he regularly advises clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies on complex disputes and insurance matters.

In addition to his legal practice, John leads the firm’s attorney mentoring program, emphasizing professionalism, reasoned advocacy, and respect for the judicial system. He is also active in the legal community, serving as President of the Federal Bar Association’s Central District of Illinois Chapter, a Board Director of the Illinois Defense Counsel, and a member of the Peoria County Bar Association.

Rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell® and recognized as a Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media, John Heil Jr. continues to provide trusted, results-driven representation and leadership in Illinois’s legal community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder and Office Managing Partner, Heyl Royster
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Peoria County Bar Association
• Member, Defense Research Institute
• Member, Illinois Defense Counsel, Board of Director
• President, Federal Bar Association, Central District of Illinois Chapter
• Member, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• Chicago-Kent College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Bradley University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)
  

Awards & Badges