McDermott Will & Schulte combines significant healthcare expertise with strong capabilities across the full spectrum of provider needs, including transactions, reimbursement matters and enforcement actions. Led by Kristian Werling, the group has a strong presence representing hospitals and health systems nationally, with a focus on strategic transactions and affiliations. The team also has a strong healthcare private equity and physician practice management offering. In Miami, Gary Scott Davis stands out for his managed care expertise which includes advising on joint ventures and contractual matters, while Sandra DiVarco is a key advisor for regulatory and licensing issues. Monica Wallace is a key contact for hospitals, academic medical centers and private equity firms, while Kerrin Slattery frequently advises clients on state and federal regulations. Austin-based Rosalyn Broad handles the full range of regulatory and compliance mandates including Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement policies and Anti-Kickback Statute requirements. All named lawyers operate from the firm’s Chicago office, unless otherwise stated. Christopher Jedrey has retired, while Gregory Fosheim departed the firm in March 2026.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Client satisfaction: NPS ®
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- My responses are on my personal behalf and not my employer or its affiliates, but relate to experiences gained in my role as the Executive Director of Strategic Transactions at MUSC Health. We followed Ken Marlow and his team from K&L Gates to MWS. There, they have helped with the acquisition of an increased membership interest in another health system and windup matters regarding a joint venture. A key strength of the group is the level of involvement and accessibility by senior team members; matters are staffed appropriately, but senior-level attention is always available and involved as required. The firm's AI tools are not as mature as I would have expected, requiring a good deal of human intervention (and attendant cost).
- Ken Marlow has very broad knowledge of industry trends and current norms, and provides excellent hands-on drafting and advice when needed. Wells Beckett is very approachable, user-friendly, and a top draftsman; he is an extremely practical problem solver.
Key clients
- Cardiovascular Logistics
- Cedars-Sinai Health System
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County (“CHOC”)
- Children’s National Hospital
- Frist Cressey Ventures
- County of Santa Clara
- CVS Health
- Eisenhower Health
- Hackensack Meridian Health
- Lifepoint Health
- Lightbay Capital
- Nava Ventures, LLC
Work highlights
Advised the Children’s Hospital of Orange County on its US$2 billion merger with Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego.
Advising Prime Healthcare on the negotiation and issuance of US$1.5 billion in senior secured notes backed by real estate, subsidiary equity, and other assets.
Represented Northwell Health in its high-value affiliation with Nuvance Health, creating a US$22.6 billion integrated health system across New York and Connecticut.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Kristian Werling
Other key lawyers
Gary Scott Davis; Kerrin Slattery, Sandra DiVarco; Monica Wallace; Rosalyn Broad; Ken Marlow; Wells Beckett