#United States #Washington, D.C. #Crowell & Moring #Rachel Park #Jill Abrams

Crowell & Moring Welcomes New Leaders from HHS to Boost Health Care Practice

Crowell & Moring, a prominent international law firm, has recently augmented its Health Care Group by bringing on board two notable former leaders from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Attorneys Rachel Park and Jill Abrams, both renowned for their extensive experience within HHS, will join the firm as senior counsel based in Washington, D.C. Their inclusion is expected to significantly enhance the firm's capabilities in addressing the intricate regulatory and compliance challenges issues faced by sophisticated health care clients.

Rachel Park boasts an impressive 25-year tenure at HHS, where she held the esteemed position of principal deputy general counsel. This role placed her at the helm of a team comprising 700 attorneys across various divisions and regional offices. Rachel was instrumental in defending HHS in high-stakes litigation matters before district courts and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Throughout her career, she has garnered an extensive portfolio that includes providing regulatory counseling and conducting investigations, especially in areas related to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement as well as quality of care concerns. Park's experience also encompasses acting as chief counsel for the New York Regional Office and momentarily serving as the acting general counsel during a presidential transition.

Joining her is Jill Abrams, who holds over 20 years of experience with HHS, most recently acting as a senior attorney within the Office of the General Counsel's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division. Jill is well-known for her expertise in Medicare program integrity issues, particularly concerning Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D enforcement. Her background includes navigating complex enforcement initiatives in coordination with the Department of Justice and the HHS Office of Inspector General. In her role, she has advised CMS on critical compliance audits and enforcement proceedings, placing her in a pivotal position to influence Health Care concerning Medicare’s Risk Adjustment Data Validation issues.

The Health Care Group at Crowell & Moring has experienced rapid expansion in recent months, intensified by the successful onboarding of a managed care team from Reed Smith, which enhances the firm’s market presence and service offerings in the healthcare sector. The strategic recruitment of Park and Abrams underscores Crowell's commitment to providing unparalleled counsel across various aspects of the health care industry, including managed care, pharmaceutical reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Martin J. Bishop, co-chair of Crowell’s Health Care Group, expressed enthusiasm for the addition of Park and Abrams, highlighting their invaluable insights into government operations and regulatory processes. He stated, “Their insider perspectives on agency decision-making will be essential for our clients, helping them anticipate and respond to audits and navigate the challenges posed by complex government regulations.”

Rachel Park shared her excitement upon joining Crowell, stating, “The firm is recognized as a leader in offering comprehensive counsel on cutting-edge health care issues. This made joining an effortless choice for me.” Jill Abrams echoed the sentiment, stating she looks forward to working collaboratively with talented colleagues to help clients navigate the evolving landscape of Medicare and government enforcement.

Both Park and Abrams have notable backgrounds that precede their time at HHS, with Park previously serving as an assistant city solicitor for the City of Philadelphia's Law Department and as an educator at the University of Miami School of Law. Abrams also possesses experience from private practice at a leading global law firm. Their diverse educational backgrounds, holding law degrees from NYU and the University of Michigan, as well as degrees in psychology, chemistry, and international relations, further bolster their credentials to serve health care clients effectively.

Crowell & Moring continues to be recognized for its commitment to delivering innovative and effective solutions to complex regulatory and policy issues within the health care sector. The firm operates across the United States, Europe, the MENA region, and Asia, ensuring that its clients benefit from a wealth of knowledge and experience while navigating the intricacies of the health care landscape.