(CHICAGO/WASHINGTON, D.C., June 13, 2005)—Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP today announced the further expansion of its national Health Care Group with the addition of Holley Thames Lutz, who has joined the law firm as a partner in its Washington, D.C., office, and Steven B. Kite and Mary G. Wilson, who have joined as partners in the Chicago office.  Also joining Sonnenschein’s Health Care Group are associates Ramy Fayed in Washington and Kathryn B. Ashton in Chicago.

“Our strategy with respect to the health care industry is straightforward,” stated Duane Quaini, Sonnenschein chairman.  “We are methodically building the preeminent health care practice in the nation.  Toward that end, we have brought together more than 50 health law specialists who offer our clients a unique blend of experience, expertise and national perspective, as well as a commitment to exceeding client expectations.  With the addition of Holley, Steve and Mary, the strength of this group has been further bolstered.”

Lutz is widely recognized for her expertise in the areas of clinical research and Medicare and Medicaid coverage and reimbursement.  She represents a wide range of academic medical centers, community hospitals and other health care organizations.  “Clinical research is and will continue to be one of the busiest and most dynamic areas in health care law,” notes Amy Bess, managing partner of Sonnenschein’s Washington office.  “Holley is part of a very small group of lawyers who have been actively involved in clinical research issues for years and now dominate the clinical research bar.  We are thrilled that she has decided to join us.”

Kite and Wilson are nationally recognized tax-exempt finance attorneys who represent a wide range of hospitals, health systems, senior living facilities and other borrowers, as well as underwriters, banks and issuers, and serve as bond counsel.  “Like Holley, Steve and Mary are at the top of their field,” noted James Klenk, a managing partner of Sonnenschein’s Chicago office.  “Together, they have worked on some 650 transactions involving almost $18 billion of financings.  As a result, they are uniquely positioned to provide critical financing counsel to our large stable of tax-exempt health care and other clients.”

“I could not be happier with my decision to join Sonnenschein,” said Lutz.  “I looked at many excellent law firms, but in terms of overall vision, experience, expertise and depth, none of them has the health care team that Sonnenschein has assembled over the past several years.  Amazingly, Steve and Mary went through a similar screening process and chose Sonnenschein as well.  The firm’s achievement in this respect is truly remarkable, and we are delighted to be part of it.”

Lutz writes and speaks regularly on clinical research and Medicare and Medicaid issues.  She received a J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi and a B.A. degree, cum laude, from Mary Washington College in Virginia. 

Kite is the author of Tax-Exempt Financing for Health Care Organizations and co-author of Bond Financing, both published by the Bureau of National Affairs.  He also serves regularly as a panelist on health care finance matters at the annual Bond Attorneys Workshop of the National Association of Bond Lawyers.  He received a J.D. degree from Harvard Law School and a B.A. degree, with high honors and distinction, from the University of Illinois.

Wilson is a regular speaker on health care, tax-exempt finance and tax-exempt organizational issues and serves on the board of directors of the National Association of Bond Lawyers. She earned a J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Chicago and a B.A. degree, cum laude, from Yale University.

Fayed received a J.D. degree, magna cum laude, from George Washington University School of Law, an M.A. degree from Boston University School of Medicine, and a B.S. degree from Boston College.  Ashton earned a J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, with high honors, and a B.A. degree, cum laude, from Drake University.