Robert Gates

Robert M. Gates is an accomplished attorney and Partner at Heyl Royster in Peoria, Illinois, where he serves as outside general counsel for businesses, healthcare institutions, and local governments. With over two decades of experience, he offers strategic legal guidance and leadership to clients across the corporate, commercial, and public sectors.

Robert earned his Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from Miami University (Ohio) and graduated cum laude with his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall School of Law. He is licensed to practice in all Illinois state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. His broad legal experience spans corporate governance, energy, construction, real estate, employment, and not-for-profit law.

As Co-Chair of Heyl Royster’s Construction Practice, Robert provides forward-thinking leadership on complex commercial and infrastructure matters. Before joining the firm, he played a key role in merging the historic Kavanagh Scully firm with Heyl Royster, ensuring a seamless continuation of the firm’s 140-year tradition of excellence in client service.

Robert’s professional background includes serving as General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources at the Federal Companies and as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago. There, he advised city departments on constitutional, tax, and development issues while managing significant civil litigation cases.

Robert is deeply involved in civic and philanthropic work, serving as President of the Bielfeldt Foundation, Vice President and Trustee of the Greater Peoria Sanitary District, and an independent Board Member of Princeville State Bank. He has also chaired major organizations, including the Heart of Illinois United Way and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce.

Recognized as a Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media and recipient of the 2023 Peoria County Bar Association Distinguished Community Service Award, Robert Gates continues to exemplify leadership, service, and excellence in every aspect of his legal career.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder and Partner, Heyl Royster
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Peoria County Bar Association
• Board Member, Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• John Marshall School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Miami University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  

Awards & Badges