Brings over two decades of experience advising on healthcare regulatory issues and data privacy and security matters
Baltimore, MD (March 30, 2017) – Venable LLP announced today that W. Andrew (Drew) Gantt, III has rejoined the firm as a partner in the Baltimore and Washington, DC offices and as co-chair of Venable's Healthcare practice. Mr. Gantt will also spend time in the firm's San Francisco office. He joins Venable from Cooley LLP, where he was a partner and led the firm's healthcare and life sciences regulatory practice from 2011 to 2015. He began his legal career as an associate at Venable in 1994 before leaving to serve as associate counsel with The Johns Hopkins Health System. He later returned to private practice at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he was an associate and partner for thirteen years.
Mr. Gantt focuses his practice on healthcare and life sciences regulatory counseling, complex transactions, and strategic business advice. He represents healthcare and life sciences companies, health plans, healthcare providers, manufacturers, suppliers, healthcare IT, information services, and digital health companies in corporate and regulatory matters. He advises venture capital groups, private equity funds, investment banks, and other investors and financial groups on healthcare regulatory issues in the financing of healthcare M&A, securities offerings, and financings. He is nationally recognized for advising healthcare and life sciences, technology, and information services companies on digital health regulatory issues and healthcare data privacy and security matters, including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance.
"Healthcare is one of the most highly regulated industries in the country, at both the federal and state levels, and changes to that environment present risks and opportunities for our clients," said Thora A. Johnson, co-chair of Venable's Healthcare practice. "Drew's return comes at a critical time. Although the House could not muster enough votes for a repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act, the administration has promised significant regulatory changes in healthcare policy. Drew has spent the past two decades navigating this environment in private practice and as part of the one of the most respected health systems in the country. His background and experience will be a valuable resource for our clients and the firm as a whole."
Courtney G. Capute, Partner-in Charge of Venable's Baltimore office, said, "No matter what happens with healthcare policy, our clients are always looking for seasoned legal practitioners in healthcare regulation to help them navigate a complex and constantly evolving industry. Drew has committed his career to staying ahead of this healthcare curve, and we’re excited to welcome him back to Venable."
At Venable, Mr. Gantt joins a leading national healthcare practice recognized by Chambers USA and U.S. News – Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" that has been advising healthcare clients for more than 40 years. The group handles the full range of legal matters encountered in the healthcare industry, from regulatory compliance to transactions and litigation.
Commenting on his return to Venable, Mr. Gantt said, "Early on, Venable ignited the passion I have today for my law practice, and whether the Affordable Care Act continues in its current form or sees a dramatic overhaul, change is on the horizon for the healthcare industry. There is no better brand in Maryland, and the firm’s elite clientele and commitment to building the premier healthcare practice in the nation demonstrate that. I’m thrilled to be back where my career began and look forward to working with such a talented team of legal minds on one of the most high-profile issues of the day."
Mr. Gantt earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1993, an M.T.S. from Harvard Divinity School in 1990, and his B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1987. He also serves on the leadership council of the American Bar Association Health Law Section.
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Venable LLP is an American Lawyer Global 100 law firm headquartered in Washington, DC that serves as primary counsel to a worldwide clientele of large and mid-sized organizations, nonprofits, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs and individuals. With over 600 attorneys across the country, including California, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Washington, DC, the firm strategically advances its clients' business objectives in the U.S. and around the globe. Venable advises clients on a broad range of business and regulatory law, legislative affairs, complex litigation, and the full range of intellectual property disciplines.