Health Law

All law students take Contracts and Constitutional Law in their first year. Because of the many federal and state government agencies that regulate the health care industry, students should consider taking Administrative Law in their second year.

Building upon those foundational classes, second and third year students can choose from a variety of courses that provide more specialized knowledge. Upper-level students may also engage in individual research projects for credit under the direct supervision of a faculty member.

Students also can take advantage of the course offerings offered at other University of Cincinnati colleges. For example, our highly ranked College of Medicine offers courses involving the legal and ethical issues surrounding research and human experimentation.

Health law encompasses several broad areas - litigation and negligence matters, regulatory and public policy issues, and the business of healthcare institutions and enterprises. Students are encouraged to meet with our faculty and Center for Professional Development staff to develop a plan best suited to their professional career goals.

Cincinnati has some of the best health care facilities in the nation. Four major hospitals, plus the Cincinnati VA Medical Center and the Shriners Hospitals for Children, are all within walking distance of the law school. Learn about the day-to-day life of a health law practitioner with a legal externship at any of a number of health care providers in the Greater Cincinnati metropolitan region.

The Glenn M. Weaver Institute of Law and Psychiatry allows Fellows to observe inpatient treatment at places such as the Summit Behavioral Center, Christ Hospital, and the Veterans Administration, as part of their Community Placement Program. At Hamilton County’s mental health court, Fellows also can gain experience with psychiatric issues as practiced in a legal setting.

Students interested in representing health care providers or consumers can select from courses and extracurricular experiences, such as the Trial Practice Team, offered through the Center for Practice. Students may also choose to participate in the Sixth Circuit Clinic to gain additional experience with appellate advocacy.

The importance of health law has escalated with the changing and ever more complex legislative and regulatory environment.

Legal teams within healthcare organizations play an increasingly essential role as the industry continues to merge and consolidate into large medical networks. Many law firms specialize in health law or have a health law practice group representing individual clients or healthcare organizations.

Law firms and corporations actively seek attorneys that are able to navigate the diverse and challenging matrix of legal, economic, and public policy issues associated with the health care industry. You will find Cincinnati Law graduates in hospitals, health organizations, government agencies, and law firms across the nation.