Renee's civil litigation practice focuses on the defense of healthcare providers and other professionals in professional liability litigation. In addition to representing clients in healthcare related litigation, she also provides general counsel to individual health care professionals, multi-specialty clinics and hospitals on a wide range of administrative, policy and risk management matters. The scope of her practice also includes representation of clients in administrative proceedings before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.

Prior to Heyl Royster, Renee headed up the medical malpractice defense practice for a central Illinois law firm. She joined Heyl Royster's Urbana office in 2009. Renee was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois College of Law where she taught Basic and Advanced Trial Advocacy. She has received the highest AV ranking by Martindale-Hubbell and she has been designated an Illinois "Leading Lawyer," a distinction that is reserved for only 5% of the lawyers in the state. She has also been named to the Illinois "Super Lawyers" list. In 2020, Renee was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers which is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Fellowship in the College is extended by invitation only after careful investigation, to those experienced trial lawyers of diverse backgrounds, who have mastered the art of advocacy and whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality. Lawyers must have a minimum of fifteen years trial experience before they can be considered for Fellowship. Membership in the College cannot exceed one percent of the total lawyer population of any state or province.

Renee has made presentations and participated in programs in a variety of settings. She has lectured for healthcare organizations, insurance companies and educational institutions.

Public Speaking

“VBAC”
OB Grand Rounds 2020
“Shoulder Dystocia”
OB Grand Rounds 2020
“Legal Careers in Healthcare”
University of Illinois Law School, Health Care Law Practicum - Panel Member 2018
“Security Issues in the Emergency Department Setting”
Level I Trauma Center - Panel Member 2018
“Getting into the Jury’s Head: An Introduction to Focus Groups and Mock Trials”
Heyl Royster’s 33rd Annual Claims Handling Seminar 2018
“An Ounce of Prevention”
Central Illinois Obstetrical Providers 2017
“Burnout Syndrome: It’s Not BS, It’s Real!”
CME Presentation 2017
“Truth or Consequences: The Deposition Hot Seat!”
Perinatal Symposium 2016
“Shoulder Dystocia: Litigation Hints and Hurdles”
Medical Residents 2015
“Documentation Issues in Nursing”
Community Hospital in Southern Illinois 2015
“Civil Litigation – a Panel of Experts”
East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association 2015
“What Matters When You are Stuck in a Shoulder Dystocia Case”
Regional Obstetrical Providers 2015

Professional Recognition

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
Selected as a Leading Lawyer in Illinois. Only five percent of lawyers in the state are named as Leading Lawyers.
Named to the Illinois Super Lawyers list (2013-2020). The Super Lawyers selection process is based on peer recognition and professional achievement. Only five percent of the lawyers in each state earn this designation.

Professional Associations

American College of Trial Lawyers
Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Character and Fitness (2014-Present)
Interviewer for American Bar Association Judicial Intern Opportunity Program (2014-Present)
Defense Research Institute (Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 2000-Present; Medical Liability Committee, 2000-Present)
Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 2000-Present)
Illinois Society of Healthcare Risk Management
Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys
East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association
Illinois State Bar Association (Standing Committee on Diversity Pipeline, 2013-Present)
Champaign County Bar Association

Court Admissions

State Courts of Illinois
United States District Court, Central District of Illinois
United States Courts of Appeals, Seventh Circuit

Community Involvement

Board of Directors, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate (1995-1997)
A host family for the University of Illinois’ International Friends Program