Michael Denning

I primarily defend physicians, healthcare practitioners, hospitals and skilled care facilities in cases involving claims of medical negligence. My focus - and that of my firm - is a client-first approach. I enjoy the challenge of trying these cases to verdict and have had the privilege to represent many fine physicians and medical providers throughout Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. I’m a proud member of the FDCC (Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel). I was born and raised in Belvidere, Illinois, and attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. I started with Heyl Royster in our Peoria office during law school as a law clerk in 2000. After graduating from law school, I clerked for the Honorable Tom M. Lytton, an appellate court justice in Illinois' Third District. I learned a lot from him, and I miss him very much. He passed away in 2023. In 2004, I returned home to practice in the firm's Rockford office. In 2024, I assumed the role of Office Managing Partner for the firm’s Rockford office. I am proud to have been selected to lead the firm into the future. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my wife and three sons.