Heyl Royster

Cathy Molchin

Of Counsel
Peoria, IL

Joined Firm in 2015

Dedicated to the defense of asbestos and toxic torts and personal injury matters for more than 30 years, Cathy has earned her reputation as a seasoned litigator.

  • Dedicated career to representing asbestos clients
  • Mentor to the next generation of attorneys
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Cathy Molchin

Attorney in Peoria, IL

As a seasoned litigator, Cathy Molchin joined Heyl Royster in November 2015 with 30 years of experience representing and defending asbestos and general civil litigation clients in federal and state courts throughout Illinois. She has prepared many cases for trial and taken many to verdict while representing a diverse client base that includes contractors, manufacturers, and premises defendants.

Cathy has appeared and argued before numerous appellate courts, including the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. She concentrates her practice on the defense of asbestos and toxic tort personal injury matters throughout Illinois, including litigation management, from initiating discovery to conducting and defending depositions of product identification witnesses, corporate representatives, treating physicians, and experts to all aspects of motion practice and jury trials. She has served as both national counsel and local counsel for various defendants.

As a legal advocate and Peoria native, Cathy has taught various paralegal courses at a local college, mentoring the next generation of paralegals. She has held different leadership positions with the Peoria County Bar Association and has experience coordinating and participating in mock trials for teens. Valuing community, Cathy has sought opportunities with numerous local nonprofit organizations and has been active with pro bono activities through Prairie State Legal Services.

Credentials

Education

J.D., North Carolina Central University

M.A., Bradley University, Liberal Studies

B.A., Eastern Illinois University, Journalism and Political Science

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

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 Bar Association

Pro Bono Committee, Chair & Vice-Chair Positions (2014 – 2016)

Law Day Committee, Chair (1994-1995)

Young Lawyers Committee, At-Large Director (1993-1994), Chair (1991-1992)

Mock Trial Judge & Participant

Results

  • Holloway v. Sprinkmann – Two-week trial in McLean County alleging asbestosis due to asbestos exposure - defense verdict affirmed on appeal.
  • Sondag v. Sprinkmann – Case alleging asbestosis in McLean County - verdict against two defendants reversed on appeal. 
  • Frank, Adm. Goodwin v. Sprinkmann – Plaintiff alleged that her decedent died of lung cancer related to asbestos exposure - defense verdict after two-week trial.
  • McGowan v. Sprinkmann – defense verdict in lung cancer case wherein plaintiff alleged asbestos exposure. 
  • Price v. Sprinkmann – defense verdict in lung cancer case wherein plaintiff alleged asbestos exposure.
  • Hill/Heppe v. Sprinkmann – verdict against insulation contractor for less than setoffs, so defendant did not pay anything.
  • White v. Sprinkmann – defense verdict in a case where the plaintiff alleged that her decedent died from asbestos exposure.
  • Johnson v. Sprinkmann – defense verdict in a case where plaintiff alleged that her decedent died from injuries related to asbestos exposure.
  • Numerous asbestos trials were resolved during pendency of the case resulting in dismissal or settlement.
  • Mediations –participated in numerous court-ordered mediations in asbestos cases.
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