Minnie Blackman
A former federal judicial law clerk, Minnie Blackman brings a courtroom insider’s perspective to help clients resolve disputes and protect what matters most.
- Served as a federal judicial law clerk to Chief Judge Debra M. Brown
- Researched and drafted judicial opinions across 154 federal cases
Minnie Blackman
Attorney in Edwardsville, IL
Clients come to Minnie for clear answers and a plan they can act on. From Heyl Royster’s Edwardsville office, she handles a broad litigation and business practice, helping clients understand their options and make decisions with a clear view of their goals. She prepares thoroughly, communicates directly, and considers both the immediate legal question and its broader effects on the client’s business or professional responsibilities.
Before joining Heyl Royster, Minnie clerked for Chief Judge Debra M. Brown of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, researching and drafting opinions across a broad range of civil matters. The experience gave her insight into how courts analyze briefs, evaluate factual records, and apply governing law. That perspective shapes how she develops arguments, anticipates opposing positions, and presents the facts that matter most.
During law school, Minnie worked on medical malpractice matters, analyzing complaints, reviewing expert reports, assisting with depositions, and drafting motions and jury instructions. She also externed with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee, where she conducted court proceedings under a limited student practice license.
Minnie earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where she served as a staff editor for the Mississippi Law Journal and participated in the Trial Advocacy Board and Student Bar Association Honor Council. Through the university’s accelerated law program, she completed her final undergraduate year alongside her first year of law school.
Outside the office, Minnie volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri & Kansas. She also enjoys baking, cheering on Ole Miss and the Philadelphia Eagles, practicing Hindi on Duolingo, and spending time at home with her cat, Perry.
Practices
Credentials
Education
J.D., University of Mississippi School of Law, cum laude, 2025
B.A., University of Mississippi, summa cum laude, 2023
Licensure and Admissions
State Courts of Tennessee
United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois
Community Involvement
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri & Kansas, Volunteer
Presentations/Publications
Publications
“An Argument for a Right to Education for Undocumented Youth in Light of DACA’s Uncertain Future,” 13 Indiana Journal of Law and Social Equality 15 (2025)
Awards/Recognition
- Professionalism Award, Stetson Law Seventeenth Annual Pre-Trial Competition, 2025
- “Best Lawyer,” Pharmaceutical Malpractice Mock Trial, University of Mississippi Inter-Professional Education Board, 2025
- Finalist, University of Mississippi Trial Advocacy Board New Member Competition, 2023
Public Profile
Clients come to Minnie for clear answers and a plan they can act on. From Heyl Royster’s Edwardsville office, she handles a broad litigation and business practice, helping clients understand their options and make decisions with a clear view of their goals. She prepares thoroughly, communicates directly, and considers both the immediate legal question and its broader effects on the client’s business or professional responsibilities.
Before joining Heyl Royster, Minnie clerked for Chief Judge Debra M. Brown of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi, researching and drafting opinions across a broad range of civil matters. The experience gave her insight into how courts analyze briefs, evaluate factual records, and apply governing law. That perspective shapes how she develops arguments, anticipates opposing positions, and presents the facts that matter most.
During law school, Minnie worked on medical malpractice matters, analyzing complaints, reviewing expert reports, assisting with depositions, and drafting motions and jury instructions. She also externed with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office in Memphis, Tennessee, where she conducted court proceedings under a limited student practice license.
Minnie earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Mississippi School of Law, where she served as a staff editor for the Mississippi Law Journal and participated in the Trial Advocacy Board and Student Bar Association Honor Council. Through the university’s accelerated law program, she completed her final undergraduate year alongside her first year of law school.
Outside the office, Minnie volunteers with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri & Kansas. She also enjoys baking, cheering on Ole Miss and the Philadelphia Eagles, practicing Hindi on Duolingo, and spending time at home with her cat, Perry.
