Heyl Royster

Timothy Sullivan

Senior Associate
Champaign, IL

Joined Firm in 2026

With a unique background as a federal prosecutor and former state’s attorney, Tim brings invaluable trial experience to our thriving litigation practice in both state and federal court. His background as an appellate law clerk allows him to contribute important insight and persuasive arguments at all stages of a case. His calm and reassuring demeanor is not only reassuring to clients, but also well received by jurors. 

  • ISBA Lawyer to Lawyer Mentor
  • Teaches civil rights, civil liability, rules of evidence, and courtroom procedure at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute.
  • Extensive experience as a federal prosecutor, state attorney, and appellate law clerk, handling complex criminal, civil, and appellate matters.
Read Full Bio

Timothy Sullivan

Attorney in Champaign, IL

Tim Sullivan is a devoted attorney at Heyl Royster’s Champaign office who concentrates his practice on civil litigation of all kinds in state and federal court including but not limited to medical malpractice, civil rights, and employment law.

Prior to joining Heyl Royster, Tim served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of Illinois, prosecuting federal criminal cases. Prior to that he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Champaign County, handling felony and juvenile matters, and as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, handling civil matters. Tim also clerked for the Fourth District Appellate Court, where he developed strong skills in legal research, writing, and appellate analysis.

Tim is recognized for his thoughtful approach and trial-focused perspective. He is committed to delivering practical solutions outside of the courtroom when it serves the client’s best interest while always being ready to proceed to trial if appropriate.

Tim began his public service career with the United States Senate and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador. These foundational experiences have contributed to shaping Tim into an understanding and passionate advocate for his clients with an unwavering commitment to service.

Tim has also been actively engaged in the legal community. He has handled pro bono cases with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, served as an elected assembly member of the Illinois State Bar Association, and mentored attorneys through the ISBA Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program. In addition, he teaches civil rights and civil liability, rules of evidence, and courtroom procedure at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute.

Outside the office, Tim values spending time with his wife, Kathy, and their two children, Danny and Maggie. He believes that time with family, whether traveling or simply relaxing at home, provides the balance and perspective that help him thrive both personally and professionally.

Credentials

Education
J.D., University of Illinois Chicago School of Law
M.S., Illinois State University, Politics and Government
B.S., Illinois State University, Criminal Justice Sciences

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

Professional Affiliations

Illinois State Bar Association 

Community Involvement

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid

Public Profile

Tim Sullivan is a devoted attorney at Heyl Royster’s Champaign office who concentrates his practice on civil litigation of all kinds in state and federal court including but not limited to medical malpractice, civil rights, and employment law.

Prior to joining Heyl Royster, Tim served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of Illinois, prosecuting federal criminal cases. Prior to that he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Champaign County, handling felony and juvenile matters, and as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, handling civil matters. Tim also clerked for the Fourth District Appellate Court, where he developed strong skills in legal research, writing, and appellate analysis.

Tim is recognized for his thoughtful approach and trial-focused perspective. He is committed to delivering practical solutions outside of the courtroom when it serves the client’s best interest while always being ready to proceed to trial if appropriate.

Tim began his public service career with the United States Senate and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador. These foundational experiences have contributed to shaping Tim into an understanding and passionate advocate for his clients with an unwavering commitment to service.

Tim has also been actively engaged in the legal community. He has handled pro bono cases with Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, served as an elected assembly member of the Illinois State Bar Association, and mentored attorneys through the ISBA Lawyer-to-Lawyer Mentoring Program. In addition, he teaches civil rights and civil liability, rules of evidence, and courtroom procedure at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute.

Outside the office, Tim values spending time with his wife, Kathy, and their two children, Danny and Maggie. He believes that time with family, whether traveling or simply relaxing at home, provides the balance and perspective that help him thrive both personally and professionally.

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