ATTORNEYS

Douglas Heise

- Partner

Doug joined the Edwardsville office of Heyl Royster in 2004 and became a partner in 2008. With more than 25 years of litigation experience, Doug has defended a broad range of clients from individuals involved in auto accidents, to major corporations in product liability claims, trucking/motor carrier litigation, and construction litigation.

At Heyl Royster, Doug has an active practice defending healthcare professionals who provide medical services to the prison population in Illinois. These professionals are often sued by prisoners for alleged civil rights violations in state and federal courts. His representation of professionals also includes veterinarians who have been sued for malpractice.

In addition to defending professionals, he also defends municipalities in civil rights claims and employers defending their employment decisions in federal court. His employment practice includes charges brought before the Illinois Human Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This variety of experience assists Doug in understanding our clients' needs and helping them to understand the litigation process.

Significant Cases

  • City of Belleville v. Doe by Doe 523 U.S. 1001 (1998) Whether same sex harassment is actionable under Title 7.
  • Longstreet v. Cottrell 374 Ill. App. 3d 549 (5th Dist. 2007) The estate of a deceased party cannot introduce the discovery deposition of the deceased party at trial as an exception to the hearsay rule.
  • Steelman v. City of Collinsville 319 Ill. App. 3d 1131 (5th Dist. 2001) The IRS's seizure of funds being held by a municipal police department did not constitute a conversion of those funds by the department.
  • T.H.E. Insurance v. City of Alton 277 F.3d 802 (7th Cir. 2000) Whether a certificate of insurance can modify the language contained in the policy of insurance.
  • City of East St. Louis v. Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial Circuit, St. Clair County, IL 986 F.2d 1142 (7th Cir. 1998) The federal district court properly entered Rule 11 sanctions against plaintiff's counsel for bringing suit against a judicial circuit.

Public Speaking

  • “Should be: Building a Solid Foundation for Defense: Gathering and Preservation of Evidence”
    Heyl Royster’s 26th Annual Claims Handling Seminar 2011
  • “When Do You Need an Expert Witness”
    Heyl Royster's 25th Annual Claims Handling Seminar 2010
  • “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Update”
    Heyl Royster 25th Annual Claims Handling Seminars 2009
  • “Introduction to Illinois & Missouri Law Regarding Veterinarian Malpractice”
    Greater St. Louis Veterinary Medical Association - St. Louis Humane Society 2009
  • “Casualty and Property Seminar - Premises Liability Update”
    Heyl Royster 2008
  • “Current Issue in Illinois Law”
    United States Arbitration and Mediation, Midwest, Inc. 2007
  • “Claims Against Governmental Agencies / Tort Immunity”
    Illinois State Bar Association 2006

Professional Associations

  • Illinois State Bar Association
  • St. Clair County Bar Association
  • Bar Association for the Central and Southern Federal Districts of Illinois
  • East St. Louis Bar Association 

Court Admissions

  • State Courts of Illinois
  • United States District Court, Southern and Central Districts of Illinois (Trial Bar)
  • United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit
  • United States Supreme Court 

Education

  • Juris Doctor, John Marshall Law School, 1983
  • Bachelor of Science-Political Science, Eastern Illinois University, 1980 

Year Joined Firm

  • 2004

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