Bachelor of Science–Business Administration
University of Illinois, 1989

Juris Doctorate (Cum Laude)
Oklahoma City University, 1994

mschag@hrva.com

Mike is a partner in Heyl Royster’s Edwardsville office. A native of Mattoon, Illinois, Mike practiced commercial litigation and government contract law with a national firm prior to joining Heyl Royster, and served as an attorney for the Department of the Air Force, including assignments as a Circuit Defense Counsel, Area Defense Counsel and Assistant Staff Judge Advocate. He continues as a Judge Advocate in the Air Force Reserve where he has served as a trial advocacy instructor and administrative hearing officer. As an Adjunct Professor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Mike has taught over 25 graduate and undergraduate courses in insurance, environmental, labor and employment, business, and aviation law. During law school, Mike was Editor of the Law Review and a Merit Scholar.

Practice Emphasis:

Mike focuses his practice in commercial, insurance, and toxic tort litigation. He is experienced in jury trials, appellate practice, administrative and regulatory litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. His experience includes a wide range of tort and insurance law issues, such as cases involving aircraft and vehicle accidents, structural damage, premises liability and exposure to asbestos and benzene. In government and commercial contracts, he has experience representing both private sector contractors and the government at all stages of formation, administration, protest, dispute, and claims.

Mike has authored several articles including “Finding Your Way Around the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act,” Illinois Bar Journal (Feb 2007); “Developing Basic Trial Skills,” The Civil Litigator (Feb 2004); “The Case for Expanded Illinois Insurance Producer Duties,” 16 N. ILL. U. L. Rev. 433 (1996); “The Legal Environment of Insurance Malpractice,” Arizona Agent (Spring 1996); “Even the Small Family Farmer Needs an Estate Plan,” Small Farmer’s Journal (Spring 1995); and “The Implicitly Constitutional Item Veto,” Okla. 19 City U. L. Rev. 161 (1994). For the trade journal, Contract Management, he has published “The Dynamics of State and Local Protest Litigation” (Aug 2006); “10 Principles For Receiving High-Quality Legal Services,” (Aug 2005); “The Consequences of Mutually Mistaken Facts in Contracting,” (Jan 2005); “The Use and Misuse of Contingent Fees in Government Contracting,” (Oct 2003); “The Federal Mentor-Protégé Program,” (Mar 2003); and “Commercial Contract Liability,” (Sep 2002).

Mike speaks frequently before industry and trade associations. Some of his recent presentations include CLE conferences on mastering trial skills and several contract litigation topics addressed before the World Congress, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Alliance North Small Business Convention, and the National Association of Purchasing Management.

Mike has served on the board of directors for the National Contract Management Association, and is a member of the American and Illinois Bar Associations.

Admitted to Practice: