After amassing nearly a decade of medical malpractice defense and risk management experience, Maraleen D. Shields joined the Firm in 2014. She is a shareholder of the Firm’s Healthcare and Litigation & Trial Practice Groups.
As a member of the Firm’s Healthcare Group, her practice focuses on peer review and credentialing matters, licensing and professional board disputes, Health Care Quality Improvement Act (HCQIA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and Health Information Technology and Economic and Clinical Health Act (HITECH) compliance, the OIG exclusion program, and risk mitigation and event management. She prepares medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations, and policies for hospitals and other healthcare facilities in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards. She represents healthcare professionals engaged in the fair hearing and appellate review process and before state licensing boards. She is a frequent speaker for healthcare professionals.
Ms. Shields is also a member of the Firm’s Litigation & Trial Practice Group. She has handled a wide array of matters including, healthcare business disputes, municipal liability, class action litigation, personal injury matters, and general complex litigation. She handles all phases of litigation and appellate practice. She works diligently to understand her client’s case and expectations. She recognizes the importance of exploring all options to achieve a favorable result whether it be through mediation, arbitration, or trial. Throughout her career, she has been recognized as a “Pennsylvania Rising Star” several times, a designation awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under 40.
Ms. Shields is originally from Pittsburgh, PA. Since relocating to the Lehigh Valley in 2006, she has developed strong ties to the community. She is currently VP of Communications of Cetronia Elementary School’s PAC as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers. She was formerly a member of The Hillside School’s Board of Trustees. In 2015, she was named to Lehigh Valley Business’ Forty Under 40
