Heyl Royster

Ann Barron

Shareholder
Edwardsville, IL

Joined Firm in 2013

Ann's approach to litigation is to question everything.  Ann believes in being realistic in case assessments from the outset of the matter. Her motto is to leave no stone unturned to determine what happened, why, and who is at fault.

  • Appellate Practice Group Co-Chair
  • Former In-House Counsel at Valero
  • Experienced with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency
Read Full Bio

Ann Barron

Attorney in Edwardsville, IL

Early in her practice, a mentor on the Illinois Supreme Court required Ann Barron to learn by doing, a philosophy that continues to guide her to never turn away from the toughest challenges. Her early experience allowed her to hone her legal writing skills and develop a vast knowledge of Illinois law and procedure, giving her a unique perspective on litigation from document preservation, to setting reserves and keeping those in the C-suite informed. Today Ann co-chairs the firm's Appellate practice group and concentrates her practice on civil litigation, including employment litigation and business-related disputes, medical malpractice litigation, environmental disputes and personal injury defense.  She also works with healthcare providers on corporate matters.

In over 20 years of practice in southern Illinois and Missouri, Ann has handled cases in Illinois county courts from Springfield south, all Illinois appellate courts, and the Seventh Circuit, appreciating each court's distinct practices and history. She understands that it is essential to know the community where you are practicing and the court.  Ann also has a deep intellectual curiosity for new and developing areas of the law. 

Ann enjoys spending time with her family outside the office, traveling to Yellowstone and other national parks, attending Broadway shows with her college age daughter.  You will also find Ann on her Peloton and she started our #HRVA group.  An Illinois alum and proud supporter of the orange and blue, you will know when Ann is in the office - just look for the orange Jeep.

Credentials

Education

J.D., University of Illinois College of Law, magna cum laude

B.S., University of Illinois, Commerce

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

State Courts of Missouri

State Courts of Texas

United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois

United States Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

Illinois Appellate Lawyers Association

Illinois Defense Counsel (Board of Directors)

Illinois Society of Healthcare Risk Management, Incoming President

Illinois State Bar Association 

Madison County Bar Association

The Missouri Bar Association

Community Involvement

100+ Women Who Care of the 618 (2020-present)

Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, former Board of Directors (2007 – 2010)

City Year San Antonio, Board of Directors (2012 – 2013)

United Way, Agency Review Committee (2010 – 2011)

Power of the Purse (2016 – 2019)

Scholarship Committee: (2012)

University of Illinois College of Law, Alumni Association (2005 – 2012)

Board of Visitors (2008 – 2011)

Valero, Volunteer Council (2009 – 2012)

Results

 

  • Affirmance of summary judgment in favor of a banking client on the statute of limitations in a commercial dispute where the demand was $7 million
  • Affirmance of summary judgment in employment litigation where the plaintiff alleged her employer retaliated against her for reporting illegal conduct
  • Affirmance of a motion to dismiss granted on the basis of the running of the statute of limitations in a legal malpractice action
  • Affirmance of a motion to dismiss in an action alleging an injured party had a right to file suit against an insurance company

Presentations/Publications

Presentations

“Case law Update,” Illinois Society of Healthcare Risk Management (2024)

Case Law Update: Illinois and Missouri,” Heyl Royster's 34th Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2023)

Harnessing the Power of Community: Philanthropy and the Importance of Giving Back,” Women Lead with Illinois Law Summit (2020)

Current Topics in Litigation,” Illinois Society of Healthcare Risk Managers (2019)

Document Production in Litigation – Beyond the Medical Record,” Chicagoland Healthcare Risk Management Society Webinar (2018)

PSO or MSA: Improving Healthcare Without Increasing Liability,” ISHRM and CHRMS (2018)

Furry Companions – Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Animals and Pets in Medical Facilities,” Chicago Healthcare Risk Managers Society Winter Meeting (2018)

Negligent Credentialing Claims: The Best Attack,” Heyl Royster's 32nd Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2017)

Case Law Update,” Heyl Royster Governmental Seminar (2016)

21st Century Liability Issues: Drones, Cyber Liability, and Privacy Issue,” Heyl Royster's 30th Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2015)

How to Handle the Midnight Call and The Building Blocks of an Effective Defense,” Heyl Royster 29th Annual Claims Handling Seminar (2014)

Publications

In Utero” Medical Records Deemed Discoverable Without Birth Mother’s Consent,” Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2022)

A Comparison of Delegatto and Brown: Using Consent Forms to Obtain Summary Judgment on Apparent Agency,” Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2022)

Legal Disability Can Toll the Statute of Limitations and Statute of Repose Despite a Pending Lawsuit,” Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly (2022)

The Illinois Medical Studies Act Privilege After Grosshuesch and Eid,” International Association Defense Counsel’s Defense Counsel Journal (2017)

Awards/Recognition

  • Leading Lawyer℠ by Law Bulletin Media - Environmental Law; Medical Malpractice Defense Law; Personal Injury Defense: General; Transportation Defense Law: Including Aviation/FELA/Maritime

 

Public Profile

Early in her practice, a mentor on the Illinois Supreme Court required Ann Barron to learn by doing, a philosophy that continues to guide her to never turn away from the toughest challenges. Her early experience allowed her to hone her legal writing skills and develop a vast knowledge of Illinois law and procedure, giving her a unique perspective on litigation from document preservation, to setting reserves and keeping those in the C-suite informed. Today Ann co-chairs the firm's Appellate practice group and concentrates her practice on civil litigation, including employment litigation and business-related disputes, medical malpractice litigation, environmental disputes and personal injury defense.  She also works with healthcare providers on corporate matters.

In over 20 years of practice in southern Illinois and Missouri, Ann has handled cases in Illinois county courts from Springfield south, all Illinois appellate courts, and the Seventh Circuit, appreciating each court's distinct practices and history. She understands that it is essential to know the community where you are practicing and the court.  Ann also has a deep intellectual curiosity for new and developing areas of the law. 

Ann enjoys spending time with her family outside the office, traveling to Yellowstone and other national parks, attending Broadway shows with her college age daughter.  You will also find Ann on her Peloton and she started our #HRVA group.  An Illinois alum and proud supporter of the orange and blue, you will know when Ann is in the office - just look for the orange Jeep.

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