At the Intersection of Healthcare Regulations and Transactions

Although she has always been drawn to the healthcare and life sciences sector, Erin Magennis Healy did not begin her professional career as an attorney. A graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Science and Technology Studies, she managed clinical research trials at academic medical centers in New York City for almost 10 years before entering the legal field. Although the work was exciting, Erin found her interests pulling her away from clinical outcomes and toward risk management and regulatory strategies.

"Transitioning to a legal career wasn't starting from scratch. My work required a thorough understanding of a complex regulatory scheme and attention to issues like intellectual property ownership and allocations of contractual risk. I had to navigate organizational dynamics, policies, and processes, with attention to a myriad of ethical and practical concerns in a fast-paced environment. I'm constantly drawing on these real-world experiences to frame my legal advice."

Erin leverages her industry experience to serve as a strategic partner to healthcare and life sciences clients on a wide range of regulatory, compliance, operational, commercial and general corporate matters. As both a regulatory and transactional attorney, she not only helps companies develop and monitor compliance programs but also structures mission-critical transactions—including mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, supply agreements, and other strategic commercial arrangements—on behalf of those same clients. Erin works with private equity firms and other investors to assess risks and identify regulatory exposure in connection with acquisitions and also implements post-close risk-mitigation strategies.

Erin graduated from Seton Hall University School of Law's top-rated healthcare program and worked at a Big Four consulting firm, providing risk consulting services to pharmaceutical clients, before entering private practice. She counseled providers and pharmacies on payor and reimbursement-related issues as well as compliance with state and federal fraud, waste, and abuse laws. Eager to take on more transactional work and provide comprehensive advice to clients as part of an integrated, cross-disciplinary team, she joined Day Pitney's Healthcare and Life Sciences practice group in 2016.

Erin notes, "There's often a perception that legal involvement is an impediment to commercial goals. It's my job to help my clients make informed decisions, not eliminate all risk. Whether advising on compliance or transactional matters, I am always forthright, but I strive to offer practical advice. My goal is that my clients view me as a business partner."

According to Lori Braender, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Aquestive Therapeutics, "Erin is incredibly responsive, efficient and creative, and is highly knowledgeable in her field. She is a top-notch healthcare lawyer and provides us with valuable advice on matters such as advertising and promotion risks. Her industry perspective about what other companies are doing has been helpful, and her legal analysis is always spot-on."

Despite her busy practice, Erin is committed to finding opportunities to serve the community and has devoted many hours to pro bono work. Erin has advocated in court for survivors of domestic abuse seeking restraining orders and staffed a weekly walk-in clinic providing general legal advice to veterans at a local Veterans Administration hospital. She regularly serves as corporate and transactional counsel to nonprofit organizations and most recently led three non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing the interests of children impacted by abuse through a successful merger.

HEALTHCARE AND LIFE SCIENCES

Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D.

Cornell University, B.A.

Admissions: New Jersey, New York