Dilworth Paxson Welcomes New Health Care Practice Chair

Dilworth Paxson LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Karen L. Palestini as a Partner in the Corporate and Business Department and Chair of the firm’s Health Care Practice Group. 

Karen concentrates her business practice in the fields of health care and life sciences. She counsels clients on federal and state health care reform, managed care contracting, fraud and abuse, electronic medical records, HIPAA and FERPA compliance and data breaches, facility licensing, medical staff issues, regulatory compliance and government reimbursement programs, including Medicare Advantage, Part D and state Medicaid programs.

During her career, she has represented a variety of clients that include hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic testing facilities, pharmaceutical companies, physician practices, behavioral health centers, venture capital and private equity firms, commercial lenders, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, wellness centers, and spas. She also has written and spoken extensively on health privacy and human research issues.

Karen has been instrumental in a number of groundbreaking legal events, including forming the organization that became one of the first 27 accountable care organizations (“ACOs”) approved by CMS to participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program and leading the team that negotiated the regulatory approvals permitting the first for-profit health system to operate in the State of New Jersey.

Joseph H. Jacovini, Chairman of Dilworth Paxson, commented; “Karen is an exceptional business lawyer whose regulatory knowledge and practical experience naturally complement our health care practice. As practice chair, we welcome her influence in this sector as we continue to expand our footprint in the healthcare field.”

Katherine Keefe, who recently departed the practice of law at Dilworth for an opportunity in the business sector, was instrumental in bringing Karen to the firm. Katherine noted; “I feel very confident leaving my former clients in the competent hands of Karen Palestini. Her strong regulatory background and years of experience as a health care, business attorney will serve these clients well. I’m confident she will provide first-rate representation.”

Karen earned her B.A. from the University of Delaware and her law degree from Villanova University School of Law. Prior to joining Dilworth, Karen was a partner at Reed Smith, LLP, and Saul Ewing, LLP in Princeton NJ. To service her clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, Karen will maintain offices in both Philadelphia, PA, and Red Bank, NJ.