Heyl Royster

Phil Lenzini

Attorney
Peoria, IL

Joined Firm in 2022

Phil represents over 200 public libraries throughout the Illinois Heartland Library System.

  • Retired United States Army
  • 2015 Public Servant Award
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Phil Lenzini

Attorney in Peoria, IL

As General Counsel, Phil Lenzini represents over 200 public libraries throughout the State of Illinois and the Illinois Heartland Library System and assists with the legal needs of local governments, including cities, school districts, and park districts. He is an experienced appellate advocate practicing in the Illinois Supreme Court, the Illinois Appellate Court, the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Phil began his legal career at Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White & Frederick, P.C. as an Associate in 1976 and became a Member of the firm in 1982. In August 2022, the attorneys of Kavanagh Scully joined with Heyl Royster bringing additional expertise and focus on business matters, local government, and transactional areas.

Before attending law school, Phil served with the United States Army. A decorated Viet Nam veteran, Phil has been awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the Air Combat Medal, among other decorations. Phil received his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, in Philosophy and Math from Southern Illinois University in 1972. He received his Juris Doctor in the charter class of Southern Illinois University School of Law in 1976.

Phil is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association. He has served on many State Bar committees and section councils throughout his tenure, including the Local Governmental Section Council and the Government Lawyers' Standing Committee. He has lobbied members of the State Legislature on areas of interest for his clients. Phil is an active Peoria County Bar Association member, having won the 2015 Public Servant Award for his years of service to Illinois Libraries, Municipalities, Schools, Park, Police, and Fire Districts. Additionally, he has served for over a decade in the Assembly of Delegates of the ISBA, participating in dozens of its committees, section councils, and task forces.

A regular presenter to numerous Illinois State Library Institutes, the Illinois Library Association's Annual State conventions, the Illinois Association of Park Districts State Convention and Annual Legal Symposia, and dozens of continuing education programs for various library systems, Phil remains dedicated and active in many community organizations.

Practices

Credentials

Education

J.D., Southern Illinois University School of Law, Charter Class

B.A., Southern Illinois University, Philosophy & Math, magna cum laude

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

Unites States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

Unites States Supreme Court

Professional Affiliations

Appellate Lawyers Association

Court Counseling Program, Incorporated

Illinois State Bar Association

Illinois White House Library Conference Delegate

Peoria County Bar Association

Southern Illinois School of Law Alumni Association

Community Involvement

Children’s Home Association

Harrison Youth Center

Peoria South, Inc.

Youth Service Network of Peoria

Presentations/Publications

Publications

“Illinois Tax-Supported Public Libraries,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Special Districts, Practice Handbook (2009, 2011, 2014, 2022 Editions)

"Trustee Facts File," Ill. State Library, Ch. 17 Illinois Public Libraries and the Law, 2d Edition (1997)

"Legal Ethics and the Public Official," Illinois Bar Journal, Vol. 79, p. 24 (1991)

The “Administrative Ready Reference“ forms, documentation and articles for the Illinois Secretary of State, State Librarian’s website

Awards/Recognition

  • Illinois Library Luminary, August 2017, Illinois Library Association
  • Southern Illinois University School of Law - Alumni Achievement Award, 1993
  • Southern Illinois University School of Law Alumni Association - Alumnus of the Year, 1989
  • Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Viet Nam, 1969
  • Bronze Star with "V" Device, Viet Nam, 1969
  • Purple Heart, 1969, Combat Infantryman Badge 1968-69
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