Welcome to ILN-terviews, a series of profiles of ILN member firm attorneys, designed to give a unique insight into the lawyers who make up our Network. For our latest interview, we chose ILN member, Dale Van Demark of our member firm Epstein Becker & Green in Washington, DC. Dale will be one of our hosts for next week’s 24th Annual Meeting in Washington!
In one sentence, how would you describe your practice?
My practice focuses on hospital and health system mergers and acquisitions and the innovation of healthcare delivery domestically and abroad – such as new coordinated care models supported by private and government programs, telemedicine and cross-border provider and education programs.
Who would be your typical client?
In my transactional practice, my clients are hospitals and health systems of various types – independent community hospitals, academic medical systems and regional health systems. In my healthcare innovation practice, my clients are entrepreneurs, business lines of insurers, hospitals and health systems and technology companies.
What would you like clients and potential clients to know about you?
The nature of my practice has given me a lot of exposure both in the board room and C suite and with entrepreneurs. This experience has honed my ability to understand and help advise my clients on the strategic implications and goals of their efforts, whether in an affiliation transaction or the development of telemedicine technology.
What has been your most challenging case? Why?
My most challenging representation was of a health system going through a merger transaction. The matter was challenging because my client was in very bad condition – financially, organizationally and competitively. In addition, my client continually withheld information from us, which made representation of the client before government bodies and in negotiations very difficult.
What has been your proudest moment as a lawyer?
Closing the above referenced transaction! Despite the many challenges, posed by the client and the client’s situation we were able to successfully obtain required government approvals, negotiate a good deal and close on an aggressive time-table.
What do you do when you’re not practicing law?
I enjoy music, painting and reading – fiction and nonfiction. (I listen to music in my office all day.) I also enjoy working on my car when I get a chance. Mostly, however, I spend time with my family.
What would surprise people most about you?
That I am remarkably susceptible to cheesy, emotional stories or story lines in movies.
What has been your most memorable ILN experience?
Getting bitten by a monkey in KL. That one is going to be hard to top!
What career would you have chosen if you weren’t a lawyer?
Too many interesting choices to choose from! ALMS race car driver (GT class), park ranger or journalist.
If a movie were made of your life, who would you want to play you?
I would want a George Clooney, or some other heart-throb; but I think a younger Jon Voight could do a great job.
How would you like to be remembered?
With a smile.