Emory Healthcare Hands Legal Reins to K&L Gates Partner Gina Bertolini
Atlanta, GA – August 29, 2025 – Emory Healthcare, one of the largest and most respected health systems in the Southeast, has appointed Gina Bertolini, a seasoned healthcare regulatory partner from global law firm K&L Gates LLP, as its new chief counsel for health affairs. The move, announced on Thursday, brings Bertolini’s over 20 years of expertise in navigating complex healthcare regulations to the helm of Emory’s legal team, positioning the organization to tackle evolving challenges in compliance, policy, and operations amid a rapidly changing industry landscape.
Bertolini, who joins Emory effective immediately, will oversee the health system’s legal strategies related to regulatory compliance, risk management, and health policy. Her appointment fills a critical leadership role vacated by the retirement of long-serving chief counsel, ensuring continuity while injecting fresh perspectives on federal and state healthcare laws. “Gina’s deep regulatory knowledge and proven track record in healthcare leadership make her the ideal person to guide Emory through this dynamic era,” said Jonathan Lewin, MD, executive vice president and chief medical officer at Emory Healthcare. “Her experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand our services and innovate in patient care.”
Bertolini’s Impressive Background
A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Bertolini has built a distinguished career at the intersection of healthcare regulation and institutional leadership. Most recently, she served as a partner in K&L Gates’ healthcare practice, where she advised clients on a wide array of issues, including HIPAA compliance, fraud and abuse laws, reimbursement policies, and FDA regulations. Her work at the firm included counseling academic medical centers, hospitals, and health systems on mergers, acquisitions, and operational compliance.
Prior to K&L Gates, Bertolini held senior in-house roles that honed her strategic acumen. She was deputy general counsel at Michigan Medicine, part of the University of Michigan Health System, where she managed legal affairs for one of the nation’s top-ranked academic health centers. Before that, she served as associate general counsel at the University of North Carolina Health System, overseeing regulatory and compliance matters during a period of significant growth and transformation. These experiences have equipped her with a unique blend of private practice litigation and in-house advisory skills, making her a sought-after expert in healthcare governance.
In a statement, Bertolini expressed enthusiasm for her new role: “I’m honored to join Emory Healthcare at this pivotal time. With my background in regulatory challenges facing health systems, I’m excited to support Emory’s mission of advancing patient care, research, and education while ensuring we remain compliant and forward-thinking in a complex regulatory environment.”
Strategic Implications for Emory Healthcare
Emory Healthcare, affiliated with Emory University and operating 11 hospitals, 250 outpatient locations, and a network of over 2,500 physicians, is at the forefront of medical innovation in Georgia and beyond. The system has been expanding aggressively, including recent partnerships with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and investments in telemedicine and AI-driven diagnostics. Bertolini’s expertise is particularly timely as the healthcare sector grapples with post-pandemic regulatory shifts, such as updates to the Affordable Care Act, cybersecurity threats under HIPAA, and emerging policies on value-based care.
This hire underscores Emory’s commitment to bolstering its legal infrastructure amid industry pressures. Legal experts note that academic health systems like Emory face unique challenges, including balancing research compliance with clinical operations and navigating state-specific regulations in Georgia. “Bertolini’s transition from K&L Gates to Emory represents a strategic alignment of top-tier regulatory talent with one of the region’s leading health providers,” said a healthcare attorney familiar with the appointment. “It positions Emory to proactively address compliance risks while supporting growth initiatives.”
K&L Gates, known for its robust healthcare practice ranked among the top in the U.S. by Chambers USA, praised Bertolini’s contributions. “Gina has been an integral part of our team, providing invaluable counsel to clients in the healthcare space,” said a firm spokesperson. “We wish her all the best in her new role at Emory.”
Social media reactions on X have highlighted the significance of the move, with healthcare professionals and legal observers applauding Bertolini’s selection. One post noted, “Gina Bertolini’s appointment at Emory is a win for healthcare compliance—her K&L Gates experience will be game-changing.” Discussions emphasize how such transitions strengthen ties between law firms and health systems, fostering innovative legal strategies.
As Bertolini assumes her new responsibilities, Emory Healthcare is poised to navigate regulatory complexities with renewed vigor, ensuring its continued leadership in patient-centered care and medical advancement.
Sources: Law360, Law.com, K&L Gates Website