Jamaica, NY – On November 12, 2015, three partners from Vigorito, Barker, Patterson, Nichols and Porter LLP were invited by Professor Heather Butts to share their knowledge and experience in the medical malpractice and healthcare arena to St. John’s University School of Law’s Healthcare Society. Alfred Vigorito, Kevin Porter and Mamie Stathatos engaged in a lively discussion with the entire Executive Board of the Healthcare Society and other current law students about their legal careers and paths in the Law School’s atrium hall. Mr. Vigorito and Ms. Stathatos, both former prosecutors in Bronx and Queens Counties, respectively, provided keen insight into litigating medical malpractice cases and their experiences in the District Attorney’s Office as a solid foundation and predicate from which to launch a career in litigation. There were no shortage of stories and anecdotes for the young prospective attorneys in the audience to not only be entertained, but to glean some valuable lessons as they prepare for their own legal careers.

                                        

Likewise, Mr. Porter described his many experiences in the practice of Health Care Law and gave an overview of the dramatic changes in the health care delivery system with the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Examples of the significant compliance issues raised by the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute in drafting health care contracts and forming integrated health care organizations were provided. Notably, the students were provided with a practical impression of what a typical day for a health care lawyer might involve. Mr. Porter emphasized at the end of his comments that the basic principles in health care law are undergoing nearly total change with the new emphasis on risk based contracting and quality indicators providing the rationale for compensation to physicians, and even reflected in the new trend towards Accountable Care Organizations which also are premised on risk financing and quality measures.

The partners answered several questions and following the lecture, there was an opportunity for the students to network. Professor Butts commented on the success of the event and invited the Partners back for a future healthcare panel and additional collaborative efforts with the Healthcare Society.