[January 06, 2014]

Mintz Levin Bolsters Health Care Enforcement Defense Capabilities with Addition of Former Senior DOJ Official

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C. is expanding its Health Care Enforcement Defense practice with the addition of Larry Freedman, an experienced defense attorney and former Assistant Director in the Civil Fraud Section at the US Department of Justice. He joins the firm from Patton (News - Alert) Boggs, where he represented health care providers and life sciences companies for nine years. Mr. Freedman will serve as a Member in the firm's Health Law Practice and be based in Washington, D.C.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Freedman's litigation practice has focused on defending clients against allegations and investigation of fraud and abuse involving governmental programs. He is experienced in defending clients against actions brought by federal and state agencies including the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG), state attorneys general and Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs). In particular, Mr. Freedman has extensive experence representing clients in matters involving the False Claims Act. His clients include hospitals, durable medical equipment companies, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical and device manufacturers and individual health care executives.

In addition, Mr. Freedman has extensive experience handling white collar investigations, complex litigation and global resolutions involving criminal, civil and administrative allegations, federal and state interests and multiple jurisdictions. He also regularly counsels companies through internal investigations and investor due diligence reviews.

"Our team has long respected Larry for the breadth and depth of expertise in this high-stakes area of health law," said Karen Lovitch, who leads the firm's Health Law Practice. "Larry's background and experience will further enhance our extensive health care enforcement defense capabilities."

During his 14-year tenure with the Civil Fraud Section of the DOJ, Mr. Freedman focused solely on the False Claims Act and its qui tam provisions. As an Assistant Director, he was responsible for cases against hospitals and health systems, dialysis providers, clinical laboratories, rehabilitation hospitals, and pharmaceutical and medical device companies. He supervised hundreds of qui tam cases filed in US district courts throughout the country, served on the leadership team for the pharmaceutical enforcement initiative, and managed high-profile actions often involving multiple US Attorneys' Offices and federal agencies.

Prior to his position as Assistant Director, Mr. Freedman served with the Civil Fraud Section as a trial attorney focused on health care fraud and defense procurement. He co-led the notable investigation and prosecution of national independent clinical laboratories known as "Operation LABSCAM." For his achievements, Mr. Freedman was recognized by the Attorney General with the Department's "Exceptional Service" Award and "Distinguished Service" Award, the DOJ's two highest honors. He has also been recognized by the HHS OIG and the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

A graduate of Colgate University, Mr. Freedman earned his law degree from Yale Law School.

For more information visit www.mintz.com

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