Charles (Charlie) Buck
Practice Focus Area: Health Industry Advisory; Hospitals and Health Systems
Office: Boston
Years at Firm: 22+ years
What is your favorite part of practicing healthcare law at McDermott?
Healthcare is a complicated, heavily regulated industry. Government is also the primary payor in the industry. As a result, lawyers with deep knowledge and experience are absolutely critical members of the strategic leadership team for any health care organization. I like helping clients (often hospitals and health systems) navigate these complicated waters so they can meet their ultimate strategic goal of improving patient care.
What is the biggest opportunity and greatest challenge facing clients in your area of focus today?
The rapid pace of change presents challenges and opportunities. Inertia is a powerful force in healthcare, and it leads to inefficiency and frustration. There are real opportunities to improve our healthcare system, but there are also real risks for organizations that invest in the wrong strategies. It is a crowded field, and it will be a challenge to identify and remain focused on the best strategies for improvement.
What advice would you give to junior lawyers looking to build their practice in your focus area?
Learn as much as you can about the industry. It is impossible to be a good healthcare lawyer without a deep understanding of the healthcare industry – an odd and idiosyncratic industry sector.
What is the proudest moment of your career to date?
I am very proud of all the clients whose clinical offerings I have helped expand and whose missions of providing high-quality care I have helped support.
What is your favorite hobby, activity, or creative outlet?
Skiing and the out-of-doors bring me joy and allow me to recharge. When I’m not skiing, I’m thinking about it (and probably planning the next trip)!
