Ashley Wheelock has joined the ranks of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP as a health-care partner, operating from the firm’s Houston office, according to an announcement made by the firm on Wednesday. Her practice will focus on advising clients on federal health care laws and regulations, specifically navigating complex issues related to the Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, and HIPAA/HITECH.
Wheelock’s expertise is not only limited to regulatory compliance, but she also brings substantial experience in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and the increasingly vital area of value-based contracts. Her addition is particularly notable as Sheppard Mullin continues to enhance its services in the burgeoning health-care sector, aiming to address the dynamic regulatory landscape that significantly impacts health-care providers and organizations.
Before joining Sheppard Mullin, Wheelock was with Troutman Pepper Locke, a firm known for its strong presence in the health-care and regulatory domains. Wheelock’s move is indicative of the ongoing trend of lateral hires within the legal industry, as firms bolster specialized expertise to meet client demands across increasingly regulated domains.