Eli Phillips
Eli combines scientific insight, first-hand business experience, and strong legal analysis to help clients address challenges with a clear view of their goals.
- Graduated first in his class at Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School
- Editor-in-Chief of the 50th volume of the Southern Illinois University Law Journal
- Clerked for the circuit judges of Jackson County, Illinois
Eli Phillips
Attorney in Springfield, IL
Eli approaches legal challenges by understanding how technical questions, business decisions, and litigation intersect. His work spans commercial disputes and transactions, environmental and toxic tort matters, and defending healthcare providers and other professionals. As an associate in Heyl Royster’s Springfield office, he brings careful analysis and practical business experience to developing strategies that reflect clients' needs.
Before law school, Eli earned a degree in chemistry and spent five years with a small company specializing in environmental testing and remediation. That work gave him experience evaluating technical information and a close look at the operational demands of running a business. He brings that perspective to examining evidence, assessing risk, and identifying practical options for clients.
During law school, Eli clerked for the circuit judges of Jackson County, Illinois, gaining insight into how cases progress and the preparation required at each stage. His academic achievements were matched by his involvement in the law school community. His peers elected him Editor-in-Chief of the law journal’s 50th volume, and he received the Lincoln’s Inn Award for leadership and service.
Outside the office, Eli enjoys spending time with his family and appreciating the everyday moments they share.
Practices
Credentials
Education
- J.D., Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School, summa cum laude
- B.S., McKendree University, Chemistry
Licensure and Admissions
- State Courts of Illinois
Presentations/Publications
Publications
“The Crumbling FLSA Collective Action: How Bristol-Myers Squibb Shapes the Reach of Federal Wage Claims,” Southern Illinois University Law Journal, Fall 2025
Awards/Recognition
- First in Graduating Class, Southern Illinois University Simmons Law School
- Lincoln’s Inn Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service
- CALI Awards: Torts I; Torts II; Criminal Law; Property II; Constitutional Law: Powers of Government; Civil Procedure II; Criminal Procedure: Post Investigations; Federal Courts; Environmental Law; Intellectual Property Law
Public Profile
Eli approaches legal challenges by understanding how technical questions, business decisions, and litigation intersect. His work spans commercial disputes and transactions, environmental and toxic tort matters, and defending healthcare providers and other professionals. As an associate in Heyl Royster’s Springfield office, he brings careful analysis and practical business experience to developing strategies that reflect clients' needs.
Before law school, Eli earned a degree in chemistry and spent five years with a small company specializing in environmental testing and remediation. That work gave him experience evaluating technical information and a close look at the operational demands of running a business. He brings that perspective to examining evidence, assessing risk, and identifying practical options for clients.
During law school, Eli clerked for the circuit judges of Jackson County, Illinois, gaining insight into how cases progress and the preparation required at each stage. His academic achievements were matched by his involvement in the law school community. His peers elected him Editor-in-Chief of the law journal’s 50th volume, and he received the Lincoln’s Inn Award for leadership and service.
Outside the office, Eli enjoys spending time with his family and appreciating the everyday moments they share.
