Katten Expands Leading Health Care Team with New Partners Anthony Del Rio and Kate Hardey
Katten Expands Its National Health Care Team
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, a prominent law firm, has announced a significant expansion of its Health Care practice through the addition of experienced partners Anthony Del Rio and Kate Hardey. Based in Chicago and Charlotte, respectively, both attorneys bring invaluable expertise to help navigate the evolving landscape of health care regulation and investment.
The health care sector is currently undergoing rapid transformation, driven by increased private equity investments and evolving regulatory frameworks. As Kenya S. Woodruff, national chair of Katten's Health Care practice, noted, clients are increasingly seeking sophisticated legal counsel that aligns with these changes. The firm recognized the need to enhance its capabilities and is enthusiastic about what Del Rio and Hardey will contribute to the team.
Expertise of Anthony Del Rio
Anthony Del Rio is well-regarded for his profound understanding of the complex health care system in the United States. He has served as a trusted advisor to numerous health care organizations and investors, providing guidance on transactional issues, regulatory compliance, and enforcement actions. His unique background includes roles as president of a clinically integrated network and senior counsel for a large health system, endowing him with a business-oriented perspective that is essential for navigating intricate legal matters.
Del Rio has experience working with various stakeholders in the health care sector, including providers and payers. He is particularly skilled in guiding clients through the regulatory maze, facilitating smoother transactions, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. His insights will be critical as clients navigate the dual challenges of compliance and operational efficiency.
Insight from Kate Hardey
Kate Hardey is also recognized as an expert in health care law, particularly in navigating the complicated regulatory environments surrounding health care and life sciences. She has long served pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, laboratories, pharmacies, and hospital systems, and is particularly adept at dealing with the particular challenges faced by companies regulated by the FDA.
Her clients often seek her advice on high-stakes corporate transactions and multifaceted regulatory issues. Additionally, private equity firms frequently turn to Hardey for her expertise in mergers and acquisitions related to the health care sector. Her breadth of experience allows her to offer unparalleled advice to clients as they manage legal and compliance challenges in an increasingly complex environment.
Valuable Addition of Associates
Joining Del Rio and Hardey at Katten are associates Vinal Patel and Caitlin A. Kierum. Both bring substantial experience in health care transactions and regulatory challenges, complementing the expertise of their new partners. Patel has previously advised on complex hospital transactions and has played a crucial role in institution-wide investigations, while Kierum has worked with some leading names in the health care investment sector, advising on elaborate transactions with a total deal value exceeding $50 billion.
Their diverse backgrounds will further enhance the firm’s capabilities and provide clients with comprehensive services tailored specifically to their needs. This collective talent underscores Katten's commitment to serving clients across the health care and life sciences sectors effectively.
Industry Outlook
According to the 2025 Middle-Market Private Equity Report published by Katten, health care continues to present ample investment opportunities for private equity investors. This trend highlights the firm’s strategically expanded roster, which is designed to meet the demands of an industry in constant flux. The addition of Del Rio and Hardey is not merely an expansion but a strategic alignment with market needs that positions Katten to better serve its clients amidst ongoing changes in the health care landscape.
As Kimberly T. Smith, partner, and global chair of Katten's Corporate department, highlighted, adding high-caliber professionals such as Del Rio and Hardey fortifies the firm's commitment to providing sophisticated services that facilitate growth and adaptation in the face of industry changes. Together with their existing team, Del Rio and Hardey will undoubtedly bolster the firm’s reputation as a leader in health care law.
In conclusion, the addition of Anthony Del Rio and Kate Hardey represents a strategic investment in expertise at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, promising clients insightful, top-tier legal representation tailored to the intricacies of the health care sector. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, Katten remains poised to deliver exceptional service to its clients, ensuring they thrive in a rapidly changing environment.