Heyl Royster

Karl Bayer

Partner
Chicago, IL

Joined Firm in 2020

Karl has dedicated his practice to litigation since 1996, trying more than 100 jury trials in Cook and surrounding collar counties.

  • Appointed Special Assistant to the Illinois Attorney General 
  • Contemnor in landmark Illinois Supreme Court decision 
Read Full Bio

Karl Bayer

Attorney in Chicago, IL

Karl Bayer joined Heyl Royster's Chicago office in 2020, bringing a steadfast commitment to client advocacy and a career devoted to litigation. His dedication, legal skill, and results-driven approach led to his promotion to Partner in 2023, just three years after joining the firm.

A seasoned trial attorney, Karl has handled more than 100 jury trials and possesses extensive experience in arbitration and mediation. Known for his strategic thinking and courtroom presence, he represents clients in defense and commercial litigation matters throughout Cook County and the surrounding region. His prior service as a Special Assistant to the Illinois Attorney General provides valuable perspective that strengthens his litigation practice.

Karl earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science and Latin from Knox College before obtaining his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. His strong academic background, combined with decades of practical litigation experience, enables him to deliver effective representation and practical solutions for his clients.

Outside the office, Karl lives in Elgin, Illinois, with his wife and two children. An avid endurance athlete, Karl completed a 50-mile run from Gills Rock to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, in 11 hours in 2017. In 2021, he also accomplished the challenging trek across the Grand Canyon, running from the South Rim to the North Rim within one day.

Credentials

Education

J.D., The John Marshall Law School

B.A., Knox College, Political Science and Latin

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Results

  • The contemnor in the landmark Illinois Supreme Court decision of Palm v. Holocker, Karl Bayer, contemnor, 2018 IL 123152, 131 N.E.3d 462 protecting the health information of defendants who have not placed their health information at issue in the litigation.

Presentations/Publications

Presentation

The Importance of Attacking Proximate Cause - Condition vs. Cause,” Heyl Royster's 34th Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2023)

Public Profile

Karl Bayer joined Heyl Royster's Chicago office in 2020, bringing a steadfast commitment to client advocacy and a career devoted to litigation. His dedication, legal skill, and results-driven approach led to his promotion to Partner in 2023, just three years after joining the firm.

A seasoned trial attorney, Karl has handled more than 100 jury trials and possesses extensive experience in arbitration and mediation. Known for his strategic thinking and courtroom presence, he represents clients in defense and commercial litigation matters throughout Cook County and the surrounding region. His prior service as a Special Assistant to the Illinois Attorney General provides valuable perspective that strengthens his litigation practice.

Karl earned his bachelor's degree in Political Science and Latin from Knox College before obtaining his Juris Doctor from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. His strong academic background, combined with decades of practical litigation experience, enables him to deliver effective representation and practical solutions for his clients.

Outside the office, Karl lives in Elgin, Illinois, with his wife and two children. An avid endurance athlete, Karl completed a 50-mile run from Gills Rock to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, in 11 hours in 2017. In 2021, he also accomplished the challenging trek across the Grand Canyon, running from the South Rim to the North Rim within one day.

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