Manatt Adds Prominent Regulatory and Policy Authority to Leading Health Care Group in D.C.

By: Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP via Business Wire

February 01, 2023 at 09:00 AM EST

Nick Bath’s sophisticated policy and strategy background deepens Manatt Health’s position as a go-to partner for health care stakeholders driving innovative change within the industry

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, a multidisciplinary, integrated professional services firm, today announced the arrival of Manatt Health Partner Nicholas (Nick) Bath Jr. to the Firm’s Washington, D.C., office. A veteran health policy and legislative professional, Bath brings nearly two decades of experience in health care policy, most recently as Health Policy Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) for eight years.

“As we continue to support health care clients navigating the impact and constant evolution of policy changes occurring throughout government, we’re thrilled to leverage Nick’s leadership experience on Capitol Hill and in-depth understanding of both industry pioneers and policymakers alike,” said Donna L. Wilson, CEO and Managing Partner of Manatt. “His unique background enhances Manatt’s offerings at the intersection of business, policy and law, and will help clients adapt to and thrive amid the frequent changes in our health care system.”

Bath has substantive understanding of myriad health care regulations and statutes coupled with a deep familiarity with the policymaking process necessary to design effective strategies. His practice focuses particularly on commercial market health insurance coverage and reimbursement, federal public health agencies—including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)—and preparedness. Bath joins other former government officials at Manatt—including Rachel L. Sher, Cindy Mann and Joel S. Ario—expanding a unique team of industry leaders who bring an unmatched perspective to clients across all corners of health care.

“Nick’s arrival strengthens the Firm’s position as a trusted adviser to health care stakeholders on how emerging health policy influences business positioning and strategy,” said Manatt Health Leader Bill Bernstein. “His unparalleled experience gained during his lengthy tenure in the Senate, working in a bipartisan manner across several different Congresses and Administrations, will assist clients grappling with legal and business challenges related to life sciences, public health, commercial insurance and digital health.”

While on the HELP Committee, Bath played a leading role in developing, drafting, negotiating and enacting groundbreaking health care law, including multiple FDA regulatory changes, major pandemic response and reform, and expansion of insurance coverage.

“Manatt’s one-of-a-kind professional services approach to client service has proved effective in helping organizations find solutions to their most challenging health care issues, especially amid the constantly transforming regulatory environment,” said Bath. “I look forward to working closely with such an outstanding team of health care professionals as we collaborate to inspire meaningful change across the industry.”

Joining Bath in Manatt’s Washington, D.C., office is Bez Stern, who also started at Manatt today in the Consumer Protection and Advertising practice. Their arrivals mark the most recent additions to Manatt in 2023, following closely on the heels of Government and Regulatory Partner Cassie Prugh and Intellectual Property Protection and Enforcement Counsel Sherli Furst as well as Manatt Health National Advisor Dr. Troyen (Troy) A. Brennan and Director Tracy A. Massel. Other recent health care arrivals include Zoe Barnard, Cynthia Bero, Alice B. Leiter and Tara R. Straw.

Bath received his J.D. from Harvard Law School and his B.A. in English from Williams College, magna cum laude.

About Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP, is a leading professional services firm, providing integrated legal and consulting services to a global client base. With offices strategically located in California (Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Sacramento and Silicon Valley), New York (New York City and Albany), Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boston, the Firm represents sophisticated clients — including Fortune 500, middle-market and emerging companies — across a range of industry sectors such as health care; financial services; entertainment; digital and technology; and energy, environmental and real estate. For more information, visit www.manatt.com.