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“I wish Hal Katz were a permanent member of our organization because he understands our goals and helps us succeed in the most professional and legal way. I sincerely appreciate the patience and dedication this firm has extended to my company, and I love working with Hal and team.”

Senior paralegal, online therapy company

Overview

Hal is a creative thinker, guiding clients when it comes to business building and problem-solving. He sees both the big picture and specific issues as clients evaluate joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, contract negotiations, or long-term planning. 

Hal has focused his practice on the healthcare industry for over 30 years, representing for-profit, nonprofit, and governmental entities. His background encompasses corporate, transactional, regulatory, and public policy matters, making him a trusted advisor to clients. He has been on the front line of healthcare evolution and innovation, witnessing firsthand successes and failures at both the care delivery and business levels. Hal is board certified in health law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He uses his extensive knowledge to help clients navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry and benefit from lessons learned.

Hal appreciates the opportunity to serve diverse clients, who include medical groups, hospitals, technology companies, behavioral health organizations, private equity funds, academic medical centers, and health plans. Known for his creative approach, he ensures that each client’s unique needs are met to achieve their objectives and does not take a “one-size-fits-all” approach when developing a client relationship. 

As a recognized authority, Hal is regularly asked by industry leaders to lecture on corporate, transactional, and regulatory issues, including business startups, healthcare evolution, and collaborations between for-profit and nonprofit businesses.

“I wish Hal Katz were a permanent member of our organization because he understands our goals and helps us succeed in the most professional and legal way. I sincerely appreciate the patience and dedication this firm has extended to my company, and I love working with Hal and team.”

Senior paralegal, online therapy company

Industry

Services

Recognition

  • Austin Monthly magazine, Top Austin Attorney, Healthcare, 2022-2024
  • BL Rankings’ The Best Lawyers in America®
    • Health Care Law, 2008-2025
  • Chambers USA
    • Healthcare, 2007-2024
  • The Legal 500 United States
    • Healthcare: Service providers, Recommended attorney, 2023 and 2024
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
  • Thomson Reuters' Texas Super Lawyers, Health Care Law, 2003, 2004, 2009-2020

Education

  • J.D., University of Houston Law Center
  • B.A., University of Texas at Austin

Admissions

  • Texas
  • Colorado

Professional Memberships and Certifications

  • American Bar Association, Health Law Section, Chair, 2020-2021
    • Chair, Strategic Solutions, 2023-2024
    • Co Chair, Health Law Program Support Fund Stewardship, 2023-2024
    • Vice Chair, Past Chairs Advisory Board, 2023-2024
    • Health Law Council, Secretary, 2014-2018
    • Membership Committee, Co-Chair, 2011-2017
    • ABA Relations, Vice Chair, 2014-2020
    • SOC Membership Committee, Liaison, 2014-2018
    • Leadership Meeting Planning, Vice Chair, 2017-2018; Chair, 2019-2020
    • Physicians Legal Issues Conference, Vice Chair, 2017-2020
    • Finance, Vice Chair, 2019-2020
  • American Health Law Association
  • Board Certified in Health Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • College of the State Bar of Texas
  • State Bar of Texas
    • Health Law Section, Chair, 2018-2019
  • Texas Bar Association
    • Health Law Section, Vice Chair, 2017-2018
    • Health Law Council, 2011-present
Experience

Hal focuses on general corporate and transactional areas in the healthcare industry, with extensive experience in the purchase and sale of businesses, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, franchises, joint ventures, management services arrangements, managed care and care delivery models, product development, and health technology. He represents ​private businesses, publicly traded companies, governmental entities and non-profit organizations in strategic planning, corporate governance, launching new lines of business, and operational matters.


Additional Experience
  • Hal advised on the creation and design of a B2B and B2C business model for a national behavioral telehealth technology company. Hal tailored the model to comply with federal and applicable state legal and regulatory requirements, including telehealth, corporate practice, fee splitting, privacy and security, and corporate formalities. The model has allowed the client to more quickly and efficiently scale across the country.
  • He has advised a regional multispecialty orthopedic group on expansion into the Southeast United States, along with its associated service line management and trauma coverage arrangements.
  • He has represented physicians with hospitals, in urban, suburban and rural markets, in creating accountable care organizations (ACOs) for participation in the Medicare Shared Savings Program, and in developing clinical integration for purposes of contracting with commercial third-party payors, on both a fee for service and risk sharing basis.
  • He has also served as outside general counsel to a private equity-backed healthcare platforms.
Outside the Office

An early-morning workout guy, Hal enjoys spin and yoga classes.

He has been a dedicated yogi for over 15 years and is a certified yoga instructor. This practice strengthens his mind, body, and spirit, contributing to his balanced and thoughtful approach to problem-solving and managing high-stakes business and legal matters. You won’t find a monkey on his back, but you may find a goat! 

Fly fishing is a favorite pastime of Hal’s. He also treasures time spent with his partner, Zahra, daughter, Morgan, and son, Harrison. The family enjoys a tradition of spending time in La Jolla, California, and Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Community Leadership
  • Community Advancement Network, Board of Directors, 2017-2018 and 2022-present
  • Integral Care, Board of Trustees, 2010-present; Chair, 2013-2022
  • Spine Hope, Board of Directors, 2017-present
  • Texas eHealth Alliance, Board of Directors, 2022-present
South by Southwest

Hal is an active participant in Austin’s annual South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive Conference

SXSW attracts entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and other technology and digital professionals from around the globe. His recent engagements included serving as a mentor for startups. Hal provided insights on corporate governance, funding strategies and various operational issues faced by emerging businesses.

Follow Hal on Twitter