Heister, Michael B.

With over 35 years of experience in law firms and corporations, Paul Schoen brings a significant background to his litigation practice. Paul started practicing in Carbondale, Illinois, and continued in private practice to 1995, working in several firms and serving as a founding member and partner at a firm for eighteen years. Leaving litigation for industry in 1995, he spent the next six years working in the marine fabrication industry as a corporate vice president, president and for six years as retained counsel. He returned to plaintiff's litigation in 2002. With his broad experience in civil litigation, both as a trial and appellate attorney, he has a background in products liability, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, premises liability, and contract disputes. Since 2002 he has worked on behalf of plaintiffs and their families in cases involving serious bodily injury and wrongful death. His primary practice on behalf of injured victims and their families is in the areas of medical malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, and toxic tort litigation. He is currently serving as co-lead counsel in a class action toxic-tort case that involves thousands of victims. By trial and settlement, he has achieved a number of six figure recoveries for his clients, and in a recent settlement that was reached during trial, Paul was instrumental in obtaining in excess of $4 million for his client.

In addition to his legal practice, Paul also serves as the Managing Member at Schoen, Walton, Telken & Foster. He brings both business and management expertise to that role, evidenced by having been the recipient of the Hall of Fame award from the SIU-Carbondale School of Business.

Paul began pursuing his passion for flight in 1964, and holds a commercial, multi-engine, instrument pilot's license. He has served as a pilot for both business and family travel. His interest in flight ultimately led to his serving as a member of the Southern Illinois Airport Authority for nine years, and as the Chairperson for two years. He also served as legal counsel for the Southern Illinois Airport Authority as well as for the National Intercollegiate Flying Association.