Heyl Royster

Sydney Schnell

Associate
Rockford, IL

Joined Firm in 2025

With her unique blend of legal acumen and empathy, Sydney is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for her clients—making every legal journey as smooth and positive as possible.

  • Graduate of Northern Illinois University College of Law, cum laude, Certificate in Civil Advocacy
  • Summer Associate in the Rockford Office at Heyl Royster in 2024
  • Served as a NIU Law Review Notes and Comment Editor for Vol. 45
Read Full Bio

Sydney Schnell

Attorney in Rockford, IL

Sydney Schnell is an Associate Attorney at the Rockford office, bringing a results-driven mindset to every client interaction. She is passionate about making clients feel truly understood and valued—believing that attention to detail, clear communication, and genuine kindness are key to successful legal advocacy.

Sydney earned her J.D., cum laude, from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2025, with a certificate in civil advocacy. She holds a B.A. in psychology and a minor in biological sciences from Marquette University, fueling her interest in health-related areas of law. Now she practices Employment & Labor, Medical Malpractice, Professional Liability, and Casualty & Tort.

Before law school, Sydney built her legal foundation as a claims specialist in risk management at a construction company in Indiana. Working with field teams to investigate incidents, she developed keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to protecting people and organizations.

During law school, Sydney excelled as a summer associate at Heyl Royster, where she knew she wanted to launch her legal career. She also clerked at a small law firm, honing her skills in drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery, and building strong client relationships. Sydney was actively involved in law review as a Notes and Comment Editor (Vol. 45) and served as Chief of Operations for the Student Bar Association. She also competed in trial advocacy, further sharpening her courtroom skills.

Beyond her legal career, Sydney is an avid traveler, dedicated runner, and passionate reader. Her commitment to personal growth mirrors her professional drive. Whether conquering half-marathons or enjoying time with loved ones, Sydney brings the same energy and positivity to all aspects of her life.

Credentials

Education

Northern Illinois University College of Law, J.D. cum laude, Certificate in Civil Advocacy

B.A., Marquette University, Psychology

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

Public Profile

Sydney Schnell is an Associate Attorney at the Rockford office, bringing a results-driven mindset to every client interaction. She is passionate about making clients feel truly understood and valued—believing that attention to detail, clear communication, and genuine kindness are key to successful legal advocacy.

Sydney earned her J.D., cum laude, from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2025, with a certificate in civil advocacy. She holds a B.A. in psychology and a minor in biological sciences from Marquette University, fueling her interest in health-related areas of law. Now she practices Employment & Labor, Medical Malpractice, Professional Liability, and Casualty & Tort.

Before law school, Sydney built her legal foundation as a claims specialist in risk management at a construction company in Indiana. Working with field teams to investigate incidents, she developed keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to protecting people and organizations.

During law school, Sydney excelled as a summer associate at Heyl Royster, where she knew she wanted to launch her legal career. She also clerked at a small law firm, honing her skills in drafting pleadings, motions, and discovery, and building strong client relationships. Sydney was actively involved in law review as a Notes and Comment Editor (Vol. 45) and served as Chief of Operations for the Student Bar Association. She also competed in trial advocacy, further sharpening her courtroom skills.

Beyond her legal career, Sydney is an avid traveler, dedicated runner, and passionate reader. Her commitment to personal growth mirrors her professional drive. Whether conquering half-marathons or enjoying time with loved ones, Sydney brings the same energy and positivity to all aspects of her life.

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