Samuel Perkins
Sam's strategy in civil litigation serves as a successful model, marked by proactive preparation and meticulous attention to detail.
- Served as the senior law clerk for Hon. James E. Shadid in the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Peoria Division
- Experience litigating intellectual property disputes in both state and federal courts
- Registered Patent Attorney
Samuel Perkins
Attorney in Peoria, IL
Sam Perkins is an accomplished associate at Heyl Royster, where he passionately serves clients across central Illinois from the firm's Peoria office. With a robust background that includes six years of clerking for a federal judge and a proven track record in civil defense litigation, Sam brings a deep understanding of the complexities involved in legal matters, particularly in the areas of labor and employment and civil rights.
Sam embraces the challenges of litigation with a strategic mindset and a commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for his clients. With a wealth of experience, he defends healthcare professionals and municipalities against civil rights claims, and consistently achieves dismissals and favorable judgments in employment discrimination cases. Sam's practice also encompasses a variety of intellectual property disputes, where he applies his sharp legal acumen to safeguard his clients' interests. Moreover, his expertise extends to appellate work, representing clients in crucial appeals before the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Sam's unique qualifications in the field of medical malpractice, stemming from his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Illinois, set him apart. This background equips him with valuable insights into the medical and legal issues that often arise in these cases. Additionally, he actively counsels medical professionals and institutions and represents physicians before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Before entering private practice, Sam honed his skills as the senior law clerk for Hon. James E. Shadid in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. This pivotal experience allowed him to gain exposure to various legal disciplines, learn from distinguished legal writers, and build a comprehensive understanding of the local legal landscape.
Sam's pragmatic approach ensures that clients receive honest assessments of their cases, while his negotiation skills facilitate effective resolution in settlement discussions. He leverages his extensive experience and legal acumen to guide them through the complexities of the legal system, ensuring they receive the best possible representation.
Practices
Credentials
Education
J.D., Northern Illinois University College of Law, magna cum laude
B.S., University of Illinois, Biology
Licensure(s) and Admission(s)
State Courts of Illinois
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
United States District Courts for the Northern, Central, and Southern Districts of Illinois
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Professional Affiliations
Peoria County Bar Association
Substantive Law Committee, Federal Practice Section Chair 2017–2019
Federal Bar Association
Results
Peoria County, IL – Defense of physician in medical professional negligence appeal before Fourth District of Illinois Appellate Court. The appellate court issued a published opinion affirming trial court’s grant of summary judgment in favor of physician.
Peoria County, IL – Defense of physician in negligence action brought by medical staff. Summary Judgment motion granted in favor of physician and upheld on appeal before the Fourth District of Illinois Appellate Court.
Central District of Illinois — Defense of employer in employment discrimination case brought by former employee. Summary Judgment granted in favor of employer and upheld on appeal before the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Presentations/Publications
Presentations
“Summary Judgment Practice and Procedure, Local Rules 2017,” Federal Bar Association
“Dispositive Motions, Removal,” Federal Bar Association
Publications
“‘Fixing’ the First Sale Doctrine: Adapting Copyright Law to the New Media Distribution Paradigm,” Northern Illinois University Law Review (2014)
Awards/Recognition
Emerging Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media℠, 2023-2025
Public Profile
Sam Perkins is an accomplished associate at Heyl Royster, where he passionately serves clients across central Illinois from the firm's Peoria office. With a robust background that includes six years of clerking for a federal judge and a proven track record in civil defense litigation, Sam brings a deep understanding of the complexities involved in legal matters, particularly in the areas of labor and employment and civil rights.
Sam embraces the challenges of litigation with a strategic mindset and a commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for his clients. With a wealth of experience, he defends healthcare professionals and municipalities against civil rights claims, and consistently achieves dismissals and favorable judgments in employment discrimination cases. Sam's practice also encompasses a variety of intellectual property disputes, where he applies his sharp legal acumen to safeguard his clients' interests. Moreover, his expertise extends to appellate work, representing clients in crucial appeals before the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court and the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Sam's unique qualifications in the field of medical malpractice, stemming from his bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Illinois, set him apart. This background equips him with valuable insights into the medical and legal issues that often arise in these cases. Additionally, he actively counsels medical professionals and institutions and represents physicians before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Before entering private practice, Sam honed his skills as the senior law clerk for Hon. James E. Shadid in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. This pivotal experience allowed him to gain exposure to various legal disciplines, learn from distinguished legal writers, and build a comprehensive understanding of the local legal landscape.
Sam's pragmatic approach ensures that clients receive honest assessments of their cases, while his negotiation skills facilitate effective resolution in settlement discussions. He leverages his extensive experience and legal acumen to guide them through the complexities of the legal system, ensuring they receive the best possible representation.
