For almost 20 years, Kaytie Ravega has worked as a health law attorney. She admits that when she first graduated from law school, the practice wasn’t even on her radar. Instead, she started out with a busy real estate practice. But, when a few friends asked for help on large health law projects, she realized what a good fit the practice was for her. And while her career has looked different over the years, she hasn’t veered from that focus on health law.
AALM: Tell us about your work as an in-house counsel and how that experience impacts your private practice.
KR: When I was in house, I served as chief compliance officer and senior counsel for CareZone, an app that helped people manage complex medication regimens, along with a national pharmacy program and other services. Working for an entrepreneurial healthcare and technology organization allowed me to take a front row seat to the pressures and opportunities that healthcare businesses face when it comes to operationalizing complex (and sometimes contradictory!) regulatory guidelines, working with private equity and venture capital funding, while implementing practice business strategies. Translating healthcare legal requirements into functional, compliant technology products is an adventure!
As a result of that experience, I am strategic and pragmatic when advising clients as they develop compliant strategies to meet their business objectives. It has also been a good background for helping funders evaluate potential investments when they are considering situations such as what is a “typical” compliance gap versus an insurmountable gap.
AALM: You recently joined Boesen & Snow Law. What drew you to this firm? What are you hoping to accomplish in this role?
KR: This is an exciting stage. Boesen & Snow is a boutique firm, with deep expertise in pharmacy and telehealth. Our mighty team includes two pharmacist-lawyers and a full-time pharmacist who isn’t an attorney, something that is rare for a law firm, along with experienced pharmacy lawyers like me, and paralegals. We’re a nimble, responsive team that supports pharmacy and healthcare providers.
As their first non-founder partner, I’m looking forward to helping lead and contribute to ongoing growth of this vibrant practice where everyone feels valued. As a pharmacy and telehealth attorney who enjoys healthcare innovation, this inventive law firm is a great fit for me and my practice.
AALM: Can you tell us about any of your mentors and some of the best lessons they’ve imparted on you?
KR: I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors along the way. People mentor each other in so many ways, and we all benefit from having a personal board of directors as we navigate life together. In law school, I worked for Jon Norris, a criminal defense attorney in Washington, DC. Jon was a stellar person, compassionate and passionate. He’s passed now, unfortunately. I was so blessed to have this talented attorney teach me and advise that I can do whatever I set my mind to in the law. He wouldn’t have said it if he didn’t mean it, and I still remember that. When I mentor and train new attorneys, I think about Jon, his patience, sense of humor, and most of all, how important deserved encouragement can be when young professionals are looking for their footing.
At Quarles & Brady, there have been many mentors in different ways over time, but a few who stand out include Roger Morris, Shamika Mazyck and Christine Cassetta. Roger taught me about law practice, client service and so much about pharmacy. I grew up as a lawyer under Roger’s guidance for almost 20 years, and could write a book with all his advice.
Shamika has shown me new ways of thinking about people, organic relationships, and how we help each other while having fun. Christine embodies finding professional ways to stand up for yourself and your clients, especially when the regulations are being interpreted by others in a way that is nonsense or impractical.
I also had the great pleasure of working with Allyson Willoughby at CareZone. Her career is a great example for many of us. Allyson exemplifies creative thinking, asking thoughtful questions, and persistence. Under her mentorship, I learned to apply these skills to provide stellar legal support to trailblazing business leaders.
AALM: How have you sought to mentor or support other women in the practice of law?
KR: I have mentored women and men both, from law students to attorneys and also business leaders through various stages of their careers. People tend to seek me out. They learn I have had a career with a range of experiences, and so I am able to help them think through their challenges, next steps and opportunities. I enjoy doing that. There is real value in seeing people find solutions and grow in their careers, especially when people are committed to growing as professionals, that is motivating to want to help them along. Law and healthcare are similar in that respect, neither career path is a straight journey.
AALM: How are you involved in the local community or the professional community? Are there any particular organizations about which you are particularly passionate?
KR: Throughout my time as an attorney and someone in the health space, I’ve been able to become a part of many different associations and organizations that make a difference. I was a director for the Bartholomew County Board of Public Health and am currently very involved in the American Society for Pharmacy Law (ASPL) and the Indiana Chapter for the American Lung Association (ALA). At ASPL I co-chair the webinar committee, helping plan educational events for members throughout the year. At the ALA, I am their gala auction chair, and on the executive leadership team. This past April we raised almost $600,000 at our most recent annual gala to support lung health, which is incredible.
