Heyl Royster is a regional Midwest law firm that has actively practiced municipal and general governmental law for over three decades. They represent over 65% of townships in Illinois, including Artesia Township, Bennington Township, and Bureau Township. Their services for townships include providing tax and financing guidance, assisting with zoning matters, drafting ordinances, and representing townships in legal matters. They emphasize the importance of public relations, community support, and remaining approachable for township officials.

1. Heyl Royster’s Governmental Practice:
Township Representation
SAMPLE ONLY - This presentation is from 2013

2. About Heyl Royster
• A regional Midwest law firm with more than 100 lawyers, and offices in Peoria,
Chicago, Edwardsville, Rockford, Springfield and Urbana
• High caliber lawyers:
– More than 30 lawyers ranked AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
– More than 40% of partners are Illinois “Leading Lawyers” in their fields (Leading Lawyers Network,
a division of Law Bulletin Publishing Company), a distinction held by less than 5% of the lawyers in
the state.
– 16 “Super Lawyers” and 9 “Rising Stars”
– Hold leadership positions in local, state and national associations and bar organizations, including
Illinois Township Attorneys Association
• Listed by BTI Consulting as a 2013 “Brand Elite” firm based on corporate counsel’s
feedback in the areas of innovation, premium value and client recommendations.
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3. Our Governmental Practice
• Heyl Royster has actively practiced in the field of municipal and general
governmental law for more than three decades.
• Our government clients are found in large and small counties over roughly 65% of
the State of Illinois.
• Three of our attorneys have served as president of the Illinois Township Attorneys'
Association, and our attorneys are active in a variety of other associations,
including The Illinois Institute for Local Governmental Law and the Illinois
Association of Fire Protection Districts.
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4. Representative Township Clients
• Artesia Township
• Bennington Township
• Bureau Township
• Cazenovia Township Road District
• Chester Township and Road District
• Cincinnati Township and Road
District
• Coloma Township
• Cruger Township
• Dillon Township Road District
• Douglas Township
• Eminence Township
• Erie Township
• Fondulac Township
• Girard Township
• Groveland Township
• Hall Township
• Hollis Township
• Hopedale Township
• Hopkins Township
• Kickapoo Township and Road
District
• Limestone Township, Road District,
and Fire Protection District
• Logan Township
• Loran Township
• Manito Township
• McKee Township
• Medina Township and Road District
• Metamora Township Road District
• Montgomery Township
• Morton Township
• Newtown Township
• Normal Township
• Olio Township
• Oquawka Township
• Peoria County Township
• Pine Rock Township
• Regional Transportation Authority
• Richwoods Township
• Roberts Township Road District
• Rushville Township
• Rushville Township Road District
• Sigel Township
• Spring Bay Township
• Spring Lake Township Road District
• Timber Township
• Township Officials of Illinois
• Wyanet Township
Our government clients cover roughly 65% of the state, including:
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5. Township Services
• Tax and financing guidance
• Zoning and regulatory matters
• Governmental contracting (including inter-governmental agreements)
• Assistance with public referenda
• FOIA and OMA guidance
• Budgets and levies
• IMRF and construction-related issues
• Drafting ordinances and related documents
• Public employment issues
• Representation in statutory, contractual and tort matters
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6. Township Counsel Best Practices
• Be “on call,” but only “as needed”
– Telephone, email, in person
– Annual and/or Board Meetings
• Actively participate and support township programs
– Volunteer at food pantry, etc.
• Monitor and participate in township-related legislation in Springfield
• Remain active in statewide associations
– Township Officials of Illinois
– Township Officials of Cook County
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7. Considerations In Today’s Environment
• Public Relations
– Website and Social Media
• Regular Updates
• Facebook and Twitter
– Print and Television Press
– Regular press releases on community projects
• Community Support Grants, Dial-A-Ride, Peer Jury Cases
• Continued Dedication to Services
– Voter registration, vehicle stickers, e-waste locations
• Approachability of Officials
– FOIA Compliance, Assessor’s Office
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8. Value-Added Services
• Our Governmental Practice publishes a quarterly Governmental Newsletter and periodic
client advisories, such as the recent “The Effect of The Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act
on Municipalities.”
• We regularly conduct seminars for governmental officials:
– In March, the firm presented a webinar for government officials entitled "Building Your
Community's Future: Best Practices for Local Government Construction Projects,“
which covered project financing and budgeting, procurement of services, and the post-
bid process.
– In June, the firm hosted a series of seminars for local government officials, newly
elected and incumbent, in three locations around the state. The seminars featured
presentations on essential knowledge areas of local government, including finance,
transparency, contracts, immunities, and conflicts of interest.
– In September, the firm is conducting a series of seminars on ethics.
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