Professional Experience
Ms. Royse focuses her practice in the areas of commercial and residential real estate, wills and trusts, and general business matters.
She has a long history of providing exceptional service to hundreds of businesses and individuals in downstate Illinois and south Florida. Of great benefit to those we serve, Ms. Royse has formed excellent relationships with real estate brokers, bankers, contractors, insurance experts and others supporting firm clients.
Education
- J.D., The University of Texas School of Law, 1995
- B.S. in Advertising, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1989
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 1995
- Florida, 1998
Professional Activities
- Ms. Royse is a member of the Champaign County, Illinois State and Florida Bar Associations and the East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association.
- She has served as a member of the Real Estate Law Section of the Illinois State Bar Association and is also a member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Section of the Florida State Bar Association.
Civic and Philanthropic Involvement
Ms. Royse has also been involved in many community activities, including:
- The Champaign West Rotary Club (President, 2005-2006)
- Marathon (Florida) Rotary Club
- Executive Club of Champaign County (President, 2000-2001)
- Leadership Illinois
She also serves as a Planning Commissioner for the city of Marathon, Florida, and has served as a member of the Champaign Human Relations Commission.
Personal
Ms. Royse lives in Champaign and in Marathon, Florida, with her husband, Michael Howie. She enjoys tennis, kayaking and paddle boarding, and trying to learn French.
Mary Ann Royse
Lawyer
Areas of Practice
Five Things Most People Don’t Know About Mary Ann
1Mary Ann played on the University of Illinois 8-ball team, representing the school in regional championships twice.
2Mary Ann is a tennis geek, especially with respect to the up-and-coming (and sometimes, the down-and-failing) players who have competed in the Challenger tournaments in Champaign.
3Mary Ann’s mantra is: “People are complicated.” Every day provides more proof of the truth of this statement.
4Mary Ann is an alumnus of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority, whose motto is “Esse quam videri” – to be, rather than seem to be.
5Mary Ann’s Papillon-mix dog, Bruiser, thinks she is perfect. He thinks everyone else in the world (with the possible exception of Mary Ann’s husband and mother) is intent on murdering them.
6Mary Ann has been trying to learn to speak French since her 52nd birthday. “I really wish I had thought of this when I was younger.”