Heyl Royster

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Heyl Royster

  

Attorneys

Robert C. Gates (Attorney & Counselor at Law)

 PRINT

An experienced leader and focused counselor at law, Bob Gates concentrates his practice as the outside general counsel for businesses, institutions, and local governments of every size.  With specialized experience in general corporate and business matters (including not-for-profit institutions), commercial transactions, health care, construction, real estate, labor and employment, and local government law, routinely, Bob is asked by clients to solve unique and difficult problems. 

Bob played a vital role in the recent merger of the law firm Kavanagh Scully with Heyl Royster, sharing, “when considering a potential home for the 140-year Kavanagh legacy of service to clients and community, we found Heyl Royster’s expertise, culture of innovation, and leadership in service mirrors the history of Kavanagh and is an ideal platform to grow with our client needs.” The Kavanagh partners joined Heyl Royster in its Peoria, Illinois, office in August 2022.

Bob first joined Kavanagh and served from 2008 -2011, returning in 2014 and being elected as a shareholder and partner of the firm.  In between stints, Bob served as the General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources at the Federal Companies, a transportation, moving, storage and warehousing company.  Bob was responsible for all legal and corporate affairs and led the human resources department.

Before joining Kavanagh, Bob represented the City of Chicago as an Assistant Corporation Counsel, representing the City in civil litigation matters and focusing on tax and revenue litigation.  He also advised City departments on legal and policy issues involving constitutional law and various corporate and municipal powers.

Active in the community, Bob has held numerous leadership positions with UnityPoint Health – Methodist, including Chairman of its Foundation, and currently serves as the Chairman of Heart of Illinois United Way.  Previously, he served as Chairman of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce and held a leadership role with the Greater Peoria Business Alliance.  Additionally, Bob has served as a member of the American Red Cross Heartland Heroes Dinner Award Committee, Peoria Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, Heart of Illinois United Way Campaign Committee, the Easter Seals Tribute Dinner Committee, and the WD Boyce Council of the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Service Award Committee.  He is married to Peoria native Lisa (Frank) Gates.

Court Admissions

  • State Courts of Illinois
  • United States District Court, Central District of Illinois

Community Involvement

  • American Red Cross, Heartland Heroes Dinner Award Committee
  • Easter Seals, Tribute Dinner Committee
  • Greater Peoria Business Alliance
  • Greater Peoria Sanitation District, President
  • Heart of Illinois United Way, Campaign Committee
  • Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Peoria Symphony Orchestra, Board of Directors
  • W.D. Boyce Council of the Boy Scouts of America, Distinguished Service Award Committee