The National Law Journal has named McGuireWoods partner Holly Buckley a Healthcare and Life Sciences Trailblazer, recognizing her for efforts to position the firm as an industry leader through deal work and innovative, business-focused initiatives. She was profiled in a special supplement published March 1, 2021.
Buckley, co-leader of the firm’s healthcare and life sciences industry team, explained how she developed her focus on healthcare deal work and took on leadership roles in signature initiatives, including the firm’s annual Healthcare Private Equity & Finance Conference. Buckley co-chairs the annual conference, which drew more than 900 industry professionals in 2020.
Buckley told the NLJ she discovered that she loved engaging with healthcare leaders while working as for a health information technology company before law school.
“But I wanted a different seat at the table, and once I realized that healthcare transactional law was an emerging legal area, I went for it,” she said.
In addition to her significant deal work, Buckley helped position McGuireWoods as a healthcare thought leader in 2020 as industry clients confronted the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. She hosts the firm’s “Across the Table” podcast featuring discussions with specialists and professionals in the healthcare private equity and finance industry.
“It was a great opportunity to tell stories throughout the last year with various participants in the marketplace and better share these companies’ outlook during that time,” she said.
This is the third consecutive year The National Law Journal has recognized McGuireWoods lawyers for leadership in healthcare and life sciences law. Partners Amber McGraw Walsh, chair of the Healthcare Department, and Scott Becker were named Healthcare Law Trailblazers in 2019. Partner David Pivnick, co-leader of the healthcare and life sciences industry team, was named a Healthcare and Life Sciences Trailblazer in 2020. In addition, healthcare partner Kate Hardey and associate Royce DuBiner were named to the NLJ’s inaugural list of Cannabis Law Trailblazers in 2020.
“I am proud to be part of a team that is known for leadership and innovation in serving our healthcare and life sciences clients,” Buckley said. “It is an honor to join outstanding colleagues in receiving this recognition.”