MANAGING PARTNER – CHAMPAIGN OFFICE
BIOGRAPHY
SHAYLA L. MAATUKA is Managing Partner of Maatuka Al-Heeti Emkes LLC, where she leads a dynamic practice spanning civil and commercial litigation, personal injury, business disputes, estate planning, probate and trust administration, and real estate matters. With more than two decades of legal experience and a proven track record of delivering results for clients, Shayla has established herself as a trusted advocate for individuals, families, and businesses throughout Central Illinois. She is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Illinois and the United States District Courts for the Northern and Central Districts of Illinois. Shayla is also a licensed mediator, bringing her skills as an advocate and negotiator to help parties resolve disputes efficiently outside of the courtroom.
Shayla offers a distinctive perspective shaped by her background as a successful entrepreneur who has launched four businesses. This firsthand understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing business owners allows her to provide practical, results-oriented counsel to clients navigating complex commercial disputes, business litigation, and transactional matters.
Litigation Experience
Shayla has extensive experience handling high-stakes litigation across multiple practice areas. She has successfully resolved three civil rights cases against Champaign County Jail on behalf of incarcerated individuals’ estates, securing meaningful relief for their families. Her agricultural litigation practice includes several significant agricultural law cases, many of which survived appellate challenges to achieve successful resolutions for her clients. In the personal injury arena, Shayla has recovered multi-millions of dollars for clients in traumatic injury and wrongful death cases, demonstrating her ability to achieve substantial results in emotionally and legally complex matters.
Shayla has also defended several national corporations against declaratory judgment actions brought by their insurance carriers, successfully protecting her clients’ coverage rights and business interests.
Business Advisory and Transactional Experience
Shayla’s entrepreneurial background informs her robust business advisory practice. She has successfully started, consulted with, and advised hundreds of local businesses, guiding owners through formation, growth, and complex operational challenges. Her transactional experience extends to assisting local companies in expanding into national markets, including advising on franchising opportunities and strategies. Shayla has counseled numerous boards on employee-related issues, funding matters, and corporate governance, providing the strategic guidance organizations need to navigate sensitive internal matters.
Her real estate practice is equally comprehensive. Shayla has handled thousands of real estate transactions, ranging from simple single-family home purchases to large multi-family residential complexes and sophisticated business-to-business transactions. As a licensed title insurance agent and licensed loan originator, she offers clients a seamless, full-service experience in real estate matters.
Shayla also brings more than 20 years of estate planning experience to her practice, guiding individuals and families through comprehensive wealth transfer planning, trust creation and administration, and probate matters to protect their assets and secure their legacies. A frequent speaker on estate planning, business law, real estate law, and construction law topics, she is committed to educating clients and the broader community on legal issues affecting their businesses, properties, and families.
Community Involvement
Shayla is deeply committed to community engagement and supporting others in achieving their entrepreneurial aspirations. She has served on the boards of the East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association, A Woman’s Place (rape activism organization), the Executive Club of Champaign County, and the Champaign County Urban League. She currently serves as a board member for Street College, Mettler Studios, Inc., and Winding Ivy Community Development Foundation, where she continues her dedication to empowering individuals in her community.
Recognitions
Shayla’s leadership and professional excellence have been widely recognized. She received the prestigious Athena Leadership Award in 2023, honoring women who demonstrate excellence in business, contribute to the community, and assist women in reaching their full leadership potential. She was selected as a member of Leadership Illinois, class of 2013, a premier leadership development program that brings together emerging leaders from across the state. In 2011, she was named a recipient of Central Illinois Business Magazine’s “40 Under 40” Award, recognizing outstanding young professionals making a significant impact in their fields. Shayla is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Education & Experience
EDUCATION:
2003
University of Illinois College of Law, J.D., 2003
1995
University of Illinois, B.S., 1995
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS:
- Estate Administration and AI: New Tools, Top Risks, and the Latest Trends 2026
- Alumni Convocation speaker University of Illinois Department of Communication 2023
- Illinois Trusts Guide: Irrevocable Trusts: Unique Trust Structures, Essential Uses, and Key Provisions
- Special Needs Trusts (SNTs) Structures and Uses (With Sample Trust Language)
- Documenting Long-Term Care, Incapacity, and End-of-Life Decisions.
- Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting Wills and Trusts in Illinois
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP:
- Leveraging AI in Legal Practice: Tools, Workflows, and Practical Applications for Estate Planning Attorneys
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
- Champaign County Bar Association
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Champaign County Association of Realtors, Affiliate Member
- Illinois Trial lawyer association
- East Central Illinois Women Attorneys Association
- A Woman’s Place (rape activism organization)
- The Executive Club of Champaign County
- The Champaign County Urban League
- Street College
- Mettler Studios, Inc.
- Winding Ivy Community Development Foundation
- Leadership Illinois Class of 2013
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
ACCOLADES:
- Athena Leadership Award 2023
- Central Illinois Business Magazines Annual 40 Under 40 Award recipient, 2011
ADMISSIONS & CERTIFICATIONS:
- United States Northern District of Illinois
- United States Central District of Illinois
- State of Illinois Supreme Court
- Illinois State Bar
- Licensed Title insurance agent
- Licensed loan originator
- Certified Mediator
CAPABILITIES:
- Commercial litigation
- Construction Law
- Business Law
- Real Estate Law
- Personal Injury Litigation
- Civil Litigation
- Estate Planning
- Probate & Trust Administration
- Real Estate