Josh Watkins is a seasoned attorney with over twenty years of experience, specializing in healthcare law and corporate law. He is known for his strategic insights and expert guidance to complex and sophisticated clients. Josh regularly handles an array of complex legal matters where his in-depth industry knowledge and proactive approach enable him to provide invaluable support.

Professional Background:

With over two decades of legal experience, having served as outside general counsel for a range of corporate clients, including regional healthcare systems, multi-office practices, private equity-backed enterprises, and other businesses. He regularly provides expert guidance to clients on matters related to corporate strategy, risk assessments, compliance and investigations, M&A, executive compensation, capital transactions, and litigation management.

Healthcare and Regulatory:

In the rapidly evolving healthcare sector, Josh advises clients on regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance. He works closely with healthcare organizations and providers, ensuring their operations and activities align with federal and state healthcare regulations, including Stark, AKS, 21st Century Cures, HIPAA, No Surprises, and the Affordable Care Act among many.

Strategic Transactions and M&A Focus:

Josh is known for his strategic acumen in guiding significant mergers, acquisitions, and partnership deals. He leads due diligence efforts, negotiates transactions, and facilitates seamless post-merger integrations, ensuring that strategic goals align with legal and regulatory standards. His ability to identify and mitigate risks is crucial for clients looking to expand or enhance their market presence through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

Investment Expertise:

As a pivotal advisor, Josh excels in identifying strategic opportunities, structuring investment vehicles, guiding appropriate capital plans, and ensuring compliance with federal and state laws. He has assisted clients from entity formation through successful exits. His expertise extends to negotiating investment agreements and managing investor relations to foster enduring partnerships and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Areas of Expertise:

• Healthcare Compliance and Regulatory: Josh specializes in guiding healthcare organizations through the complex landscape of federal and state regulations, including compliance with the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), HIPAA, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He provides comprehensive support in implementing best practices, conducting audits, and managing reviews to ensure continuous compliance. His proactive approach helps clients anticipate and adapt to regulatory changes, effectively mitigating risks and enhancing overall compliance integrity.

• Risk Management: With a keen eye for potential legal, financial, and operational risks, Josh develops robust risk management strategies that safeguard organizations against threats. He assesses vulnerabilities and implements tailored measures to minimize exposure, ensuring that risk management processes are integrated seamlessly into the organizational framework and aligned with industry regulations and standards.

• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Renowned for his keen ability to spot opportunities and structure transactions, Josh plays a pivotal role in orchestrating successful mergers and acquisitions for his clients. His M&A proficiency spans due diligence, contract negotiations, and post-transaction integration.

• Executive Compensation and Employment: Josh expertly navigates executive compensation and employment law, focusing on compliance with IRS Section 409A on deferred compensation and Section 280G during mergers, managing golden parachute payments. He advises on HR policies and handles employment litigation, ensuring compensation structures are competitive and regulatory-compliant, aligning with business strategies.

• Corporate Governance: Bringing a wealth of expertise to Corporate Governance, facilitating effective governance practices that align with the best interests of both boards and shareholders. He advises on board responsibilities, shareholder rights, and fiduciary duties, ensuring that governance structures support strategic objectives while adhering to legal and ethical standards. His guidance is crucial in structuring board compositions, developing governance policies, and conducting board evaluations. Josh also assists with shareholder meetings, proxy matters, and compliance with SEC regulations, fostering transparency and accountability in corporate operations. His proactive involvement helps organizations navigate complex governance challenges, enhancing corporate integrity and stakeholder confidence.

• SEC Matters: Josh offers expert guidance on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) compliance and regulations. His meticulous approach ensures that clients remain fully compliant with securities laws and steer clear of potential legal pitfalls.

• Operational Tax Planning Strategies: Josh demonstrates exceptional acumen in devising tax planning strategies that optimize clients’ financial positions while ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations.

• Information Technology and Development Expertise: In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, expertise extending into privacy regulations and cybersecurity protocols, ensures that organizations maintain data integrity and operational efficiency in an ever-connected world.

• Investment Fund Formation and Management: Josh possesses a wealth of experience in the formation and management of investment funds, providing clients with expert guidance to maximize their investment portfolios and strategies.

• Real Estate Development Matters and Complex Transactions: Josh is a seasoned expert in handling multifaceted and sometimes regulatorily complex real estate development matters. His deep knowledge and experience allow him to adeptly navigate the complex legal, financial, and regulatory considerations that are inherent in the acquisition, development, and use of real estate by sophisticated parties.

Commitment to Client Success:

Josh’s approach is deeply rooted in a commitment to understanding the unique challenges and objectives of each client. He combines his legal expertise with a strategic understanding of industry dynamics to deliver tailored solutions that drive growth and innovation. His clients appreciate his ability to demystify complex legal issues and provide actionable, forward-thinking advice.

Personal Life:

Outside of his professional life, Josh cherishes his time with his family, including his wife and two children. He enjoys golfing and relaxing at the lake, activities that offer him balance and personal fulfillment.