Steve Smith of Ober|Kaler's Health Law Department In this issue of the Health Law Alert, we welcome three new lawyers to our Washington, D.C. office. As a former member of the executive team for the largest provider of health care services in Prince George's County, Ober|Kaler principal Steve Smith's considerable experience focuses on health care regulatory matters, insurance and risk management, HIPAA, and other legal issues associated with hospital operations.

Actively involved in professional and community affairs, Steve is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, American Health Lawyers Association, and American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, and the Maryland Hospital Association Legislative Workgroup.

Bill Berlin of Ober|Kaler's Health Law Department William Berlin joins Ober|Kaler as a principal with 15 years of antitrust and litigation experience. Before joining the firm, Bill was a trial attorney with the Health Care Task Force of the US Department of Justice, Antitrust Division. In private practice, Bill will counsel and defend clients in investigations by federal and state antitrust enforcement agencies and in litigation with private parties and government agencies. He will represent firms in connection with acquisitions, joint ventures, and other forms of affiliation.

Associate Meredith Melmed joined us in June. She provides transactional guidance to physician groups and other health care entities. Her experience includes advising clients on regulatory and compliance issues. Meredith is a graduate of Southern Methodist University of Law (J.D., 1998) and Sweet Briar College (B.A., cum laude, 1995). She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and District of Columbia Bar. Meredith is active in the American Health Lawyers Association.