Overview
McDermott+Consulting , a national healthcare lobbying and policy consulting firm, today announced Kristen O’Brien has joined as Vice President in Washington, DC to enhance its policy and advocacy capabilities for hospital systems, physician practice, medical device, digital health and trade association clients.
“One of the most essential ways to support our clients is to recruit the right minds who possess the experience and knowledge to help clients reach their goals. With experience as both a practicing lawyer and lobbyist, and on Capitol Hill, Kristen will enhance and bring balance to our policy and advocacy capabilities,” said Eric Zimmerman, a Washington, DC-based partner at McDermott Will & Emery and head of McDermottPlus. “Since its launch in 2014, McDermottPlus has provided a one-stop lobbying, data analytics and policy platform to provide the best possible service. Kristen will fully leverage its benefits as we enter the next phase of healthcare regulatory hurdles heading into the post-COVID landscape.”
Kristen advises delivery system clients including integrated health systems, large physician practices, and provider organizations regarding federal healthcare payment programs and reimbursement requirements. She advocates for advancements in legislative and regulatory policy with government decision-makers and Administration officials, implementing reform through the rulemaking process with several government health organizations. She also provides legal analysis of Medicare and Medicaid regulations and reporting programs; and regulatory advice to dialysis organizations and medical device companies relating to coverage and reimbursement issues.
“McDermottPlus is the premier health-focused government strategies solution provider helping leading companies and organizations propel their critical policy objectives,” said Kristen. “I am excited for the many resources my clients will have access to under the broader McDermott umbrella.”
Prior to joining McDermottPlus, Kristen was a principal attorney at Olsson Frank Weeda and served as the lead of the Health Industry Policy and Regulatory Practice. She also previously worked at the American Medical Association as a Senior Legislative Counsel.
Kristen earned her JD from Georgetown University Law Center and holds a BA from Cornell University.
McDermott Will & Emery is the nation’s leading health law firm. The Health Industry Advisory group is the only health practice to receive top national rankings from U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms,” Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US, and Law360. The practice was also recognized by Chambers as “Health Team of the Year” in 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019. McDermott has held the top spot in PitchBook’s League Tables as the most active firm for healthcare private equity since 2017.
About McDermott+Consulting
McDermott+Consulting is a wholly owned subsidiary of McDermott Will & Emery LLP. McDermott Plus serves the health industry with one-stop lobbying services, data analytics and modeling and policy advice. McDermott+Consulting LLC does not provide legal advice or services and communications between McDermott+Consulting LLC and its clients are not protected by the attorney-client relationship, including attorney-client privilege.
About McDermott
McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices, industries and more than 20 locations to deliver highly effective—and often unexpected—solutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.
