Heyl Royster

Tobin Taylor

Office Managing Partner & Shareholder
Chicago, IL

Joined Firm in 1996

Tobin believes in serving clients collaboratively and innovatively while providing high-quality representation at a fair value, resulting in civil, honest, and ethical litigation and a better outcome for our clients and the judicial system.

  • Managing Partner of the firm’s Chicago office
  • Serves on the firm’s Board of Directors
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Tobin Taylor

Attorney in Chicago, IL

Tobin is an experienced litigator and counselor handling a wide range of civil litigation for businesses, corporations, and professionals, primarily within the Cook County, Illinois, courts. He began his legal career in 1996 in the firm's Peoria office, and through his tenure has served on its Board of Directors and as Hiring Partner to help direct the recruitment of top legal talent. Tobin currently serves as the Managing Partner of the firm's Chicago office.

Concentrating on the product liability defense of toxic tort lawsuits arising from environmental and occupational exposures, such as asbestos, talc, vermiculite, diacetyl, acetyl propionyl, benzene, paraquat, glyphosate, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Tobin has defended manufacturers, distributors, and retailers concerning toxic tort lawsuits. These lawsuits allege personal injury from exposure to chemicals and flavorings in construction products, foods, pesticides, herbicides, and petroleum products. Additionally, his litigation acuity includes defending healthcare, legal, and design professionals in cases alleging malpractice, errors, or omissions. He has defended employers and governmental entities before administrative agencies and in state and federal courts in actions alleging employment discrimination and civil rights violations. Tobin's extensive experience also includes defending personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents or premises liability.

Credentials

Education

J.D., Washington University School of Law

B.S., Bradley University, Philosophy, magna cum laude

Licensure(s) and Admission(s)

State Courts of Illinois

State Courts of Wisconsin

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, MDL 875 Asbestos Litigation

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

Professional Affiliations

Illinois Defense Counsel

Community Involvement

Illinois Equal Justice Foundation, Board of Directors

Presentations/Publications

Presentations

“Defending Corporate Representative Depositions in Toxic Tort Cases,” Illinois Defense Counsel Webinar (2022)

When Does Zealous Advocacy Cross the Line?,” Law Bulletin Ethics Seminar (2018)

“A Judicial Roundtable Discussion on Mass Toxic Tort Litigation,” Moderator, Illinois Association of Defense Trial Counsel (“IDC”) Spring Symposium (2017)

“Bare Metal and Replacement Parts in Asbestos Cases,” Harris Martin's Midwest Asbestos Litigation Conference, St. Louis, Missouri (2014)

“Concealed Carry: How Township Government Will Be Affected,” Illinois Township Attorneys Association 12th Annual Educational Seminar (2014)

“The Effect of the Illinois Concealed Carry Act on Employers,” Heyl Royster Seminar/Webinar, Peoria (2013)

“General Practice Seminar - Trial,” Peoria County Bar Association (2010)

“Personal Injury Practice Update 2008 - Liability Update,” Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2008)

Publications

"The Attorney-Client Relationship," chapter in Illinois Civil Practice: Opening the Case, Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education (2009, 2015, 2023)

The Evolution of Specific Personal Jurisdiction and Impact on Toxic Tort Litigation,” Illinois Defense Counsel Quarterly Monograph (2022)

Awards/Recognition

  • Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media℠ – Toxic Torts Defense Law
  • Rated AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®
  • Super Lawyer Rising Star by Super Lawyers®
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