Paul F. Lawrence

Paul F. Lawrence is a Partner at McDermott Will & Schulte, where he represents for-profit and nonprofit organizations in the healthcare industry. He focuses on mergers, acquisitions, affiliations, and strategic business transactions across the United States. Known for his depth of experience and keen negotiation skills, Paul advises hospitals, physician groups, and private equity firms on structuring, documenting, and closing complex healthcare deals that meet both business and regulatory goals.

Paul earned his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles. His education provided a strong foundation in legal reasoning, corporate governance, and healthcare regulation, which continues to guide his transactional practice. This academic background and early exposure to the healthcare sector strengthened his ability to anticipate regulatory challenges and design creative solutions that support compliance while advancing his clients’ strategic objectives.

Throughout his career, Paul has successfully led high-value transactions involving hospital systems, health networks, and medical groups nationwide. His representative work includes advising a national hospital system on a large-scale Bankruptcy Section 363 divestiture and guiding physician practice management companies through multi-state acquisitions of non-clinical assets. He also assists clients with affiliations, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships designed to strengthen financial performance and patient care delivery.

Paul F. Lawrence’s leadership and dedication have earned him recognition from Chambers USA (2010–2025) and Best Lawyers in America (2010–2026), including “Lawyer of the Year” honors in Healthcare Law for Los Angeles in 2020 and 2024. Named an Acritas Star in 2020, Paul serves as practice area lead for McDermott’s health transactions group, continuing to shape complex healthcare deals with integrity, strategy, and precision.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte
• Member, The State Bar of California

Licensed State

• California

Education

• Harvard Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  BA with Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges