Heyl Royster

Andrew Keyt

Shareholder
Peoria, IL
Chicago, IL

Joined Firm in 2002

Whether it's a complicated public relations issue or building compliance processes, Andy has worked 20+ years behind the scenes as a trusted advisor in court, litigating cutting-edge Constitutional matters for clients ranging from governmental entities to Fortune 500 companies and small businesses.

  • Governmental Practice Group Chair
  • Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media
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Andrew Keyt

Attorney in Peoria, IL

As a Shareholder and Partner, and as the Chair of the Governmental Practice Group, Andy's primary focus is advising governmental entities and private businesses in their legal framework. He often advises Counties concerning land use and zoning matters, particularly proposed utility-scale renewable energy projects, in all aspects of governmental litigation, contracting and procurement, employment, corporate governance, and sunshine laws.

Andy's calmness eases his client's stress when the stakes may be high. His "client first" approach is a personal one cultivated through years of jury trials, arbitrations, sensitive land use hearings, handling public outcry during a public meeting, or just sitting and sharing a cup of coffee with a client. Andy's experience is broad in his representation of governmental clients as their general counsel. Additionally, he represents private entities in their intersection with the government and litigates product liability claims. While he often represents Counties across Illinois in complex and one-of-a-kind developments, he has also represented private developers, such as securing permits for a $600 million development in central Illinois. While a trusted advisor to international scale corporations, he's often a comforting ear and litigator for a family farmer or small landowner finding themselves in the first lawsuit they've ever faced.

Andy has been honored as an Illinois Leading Lawyer since 2018, served as Vice-Chair of the Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals, frequently speaks at statewide conferences, and is an author for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education. Dedicated to the community, Andy regularly volunteers for St. Jude and has assisted in creating a local charitable organization whose mission is to distribute donations throughout the County.

Credentials

Education

J.D., Northern Illinois University School of Law, magna cum laude

B.S., Illinois State University, Criminal Justice

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Professional Affiliations

Abraham Lincoln Court

Illinois State Bar Association

Peoria County Bar Association

Community Involvement

Peoria County Zoning Board of Appeals, former

University of Illinois Extension Peoria County Advisory Council, former

Results

  • Livingston County, IL – Representation of public body in a suit brought by wind energy developer. Summary Judgment granted in favor of the public body.
  • Woodford County, IL – Representation of solar energy developer in action against County. Summary Judgment granted in favor of the developer.
  • Woodford County, Illinois – Defense of farmer sued for breach of contract by seed corn company. Defense verdict after a jury trial.
  • Peoria County, Illinois – Defense of a manufacturing client in a breach of contract lawsuit brought by the client's former advertising agency, which was ultimately resolved through mediation.
  • McLean County, Illinois – Prosecution of a subrogation claim against a truck maintenance provider on the theory of negligent maintenance of brakes.

Presentations/Publications

Presentations

“Freedom of Information Act, Utilizing Liability Waivers, Illinois Open Meetings Act, and Developments in Recreational Property Liability,” IAPD/IRPA Soaring to New Heights Conference (2023)

“County Highway Liability Issues,” Illinois Association of County Engineers (2023)

“Open Public Meetings,” Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners (2023)

“Zoning Wind/ Solar Projects: a New Day in Siting Projects,” Illinois Association of County Board Members (2023)

“Tips for Successful Partnerships: Using Intergovernmental Cooperation to Your Advantage While Avoiding Legal Pitfalls,” Illinois Association of Park Districts Legal Symposium (2022)

“Intergovernmental Agreements,” Township Officials of Illinois Annual Conference (2022)

“Sexual Harassment: Tips for Prevention and Handling,” IAPD/IRPA Soaring to New Heights Conference (2022)

“Park District Contracting for Use of Facilities,” IAPD/IRPA Soaring to New Heights Conference (2022)

“Complying with the Illinois Open Meetings Act,” IAPD/IRPA Soaring to New Heights Conference (2022)

“The Current Status of Recreational Property Liability in Illinois,” IAPD/IRPA Soaring to New Heights Conference (2022)

“Complying with the Illinois' Freedom of Information Act,” IAPD/IRPA Soaring to New Heights Conference (2022)

“Illinois Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act,” Illinois Association of County Board Members – Government Leaders Training Webinar (2021)

“Adopting a Valid Tax Levy During Extraordinary Times and Other Recent Open Meetings Act and FOIA Developments,” Illinois Association of Park Districts (2020)

“Guidance for OMA and FOIA – Handling Compliance During a Pandemic,” Illinois Association of Park Districts (2020)

Publications

"The Attorney-Client Relationship," chapter in Illinois Civil Practice: Opening the Case, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2009, 2015, 2023)

"Cemetery Maintenance Districts," chapter in Special Districts, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2009, 2014, 2019)

"Introduction to the Open Meetings Act," chapter in Illinois Sunshine Laws, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2016)

"Contracts," chapter in Municipal Law: Contracts, Litigation and Home Rule, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2012, 2015)

"Introduction to the Open Meetings Act," chapter in Illinois' Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Acts, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2011, 2013)

"The Freedom of Information Act: Change is Here," Heyl Royster Governmental Newsletter (2010)

"Illinois Tort Immunity Act Part 2," Heyl Royster Governmental Newsletter (2010) 

"Good Samaritans in California May Think Twice Before Rendering Aid to the Injured: Could the Same Happen in Illinois?" Heyl Royster Governmental Newsletter (2009)

"Legislative Update," Heyl Royster Governmental Newsletter (2009)

"The Tort Immunity Act," Heyl Royster Governmental Newsletter (2009)

"Repairing and Restoring Private Cemeteries," Heyl Royster Governmental Newsletter (2008)

"DeSpain v. City of Collinsville and the Freedom of Information Act: What Do We Do When a Citizen Requests Our Meeting Audiotapes?" Heyl Royster Governmental Newsletter (2008)

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Awards/Recognition

  • Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media
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