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Samuel G. Royko

Senior Counsel

With a unique perspective and diverse skill set forged in a variety of legal, business, communications, and political arenas, Sam Royko is a powerful advocate adept at finding optimal solutions for his clients inside and outside the courtroom. Sam's holistic approach and negotiating savvy facilitate the effective and early resolution of disputes, while his battle-tested experience positions his clients for success in complex and consequential litigation. 

Sam represents individual clients and corporations in state and federal court, arbitration, and mediation. He has experience representing clients in complex commercial litigation disputes involving breach of contract, class actions, securities, employment, and entertainment. Viewing litigation as a highway, Sam looks for creative off-ramps to spare his clients from the costs, disruption, and risk inherent in protracted litigation while still protecting or vindicating their interests. 

Creative and pragmatic, Sam understands his clients' concerns and priorities, especially when disputes are percolating or litigation is imminent. As a founding member of The Royko Group, Sam served as outside general counsel to corporations and small businesses from a wide range of industries, advising them on a plethora of legal issues and developing innovative solutions to conflicts before the need for litigation arises.

Additionally, Sam's prior experience in communications and public relations, from his time as a member of the strategic communications firm Kurth Lampe Worldwide, further enhances his ability to manage clients' complex legal and reputational concerns. At Kurthe Lampe, Sam addressed strategy and logistics for firm clients to facilitate political campaigns, communications, corporate launches, and other matters. The insights he gained in this role help him see and consider the larger context in which litigation proceeds and how it impacts his clients' short-term interests and long-term goals.  

In the political arena, Sam clerked at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General and Cook County Circuit Court and for U.S. Senator Richard Durbin. He also worked as a policy intern at the AmLaw200 firm Brownstein Hyatt. Having run for elected office himself, Sam understands the importance of consensus-building among multiple constituencies, which also contributes to his ability to find negotiated resolutions of disputes.

“ At the heart of it, I am a solution-driven attorney focused on maximizing outcomes. Finding those solutions requires creative thinking that recognizes that the courtroom is only one of many forums for doing so. ”
    • Georgetown University Law Center, J.D.
    • DePaul University, B.A.

  • Bar Admissions

    • Illinois
    • District of Columbia (Pending)

  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

    • Founder, Greater West Town Community Coalition 

Contact

Chicago312-627-2257

Latest News and Insights

Press Releases3.25.24

Sam Royko Joins Dykema’s Chicago Office

Dykema announced the addition of Sam Royko as a Senior Counsel in its Business Litigation Practice…

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