Maraleen D. Shields

Maraleen D. Shields

Shareholder

Alternative Dispute Resolution • Eminent Domain • Complex & Commercial Litigation • Healthcare Litigation • Medical Staff Disputes • Licensure & Professional Liability • Personal Injury Defense • Fair Hearing & Appellate Review • Municipal Liability • HCQIA Compliance • Hospital Accreditation & Credentialing • Medical Staff Bylaws • HIPAA/HITECH • NPDB

Ms. Shields is a shareholder in the Firm’s Litigation & Trial Practice and Healthcare practices.

She has earned a reputation for securing strong results in a wide array of high stakes cases for plaintiffs and defendants. Because of her candor and responsiveness, her clients view her as a trusted advocate. She understands that each case is unique and should be treated as such. She explores all options to achieve a favorable result. Her trial and appellate practice includes medical practice, healthcare business disputes, municipal liability, class actions, personal injury, contract disputes, and other commercial litigation matters.

Ms. Shields has also been a trusted advocate for healthcare professionals engaged in the fair hearing/appellate review process and appearing before state licensing boards to preserve their ability to practice. She also regularly helps providers and institutions navigate the ever-changing laws, regulations, and accreditation standards in healthcare. She prepares medical staff bylaws, rules and regulations, and policies for hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Ms. Shields was honored for her work on the PBA’s Blue-Ribbon Panel on Membership Engagement with the President’s Award in 2018. In 2020, she was recognized for her litigation skills and mentorship of women in the profession with the Lynette Norton Award. Most recently, the Lehigh Valley Business, named her a 2021 Woman of Influence.


Notable Representations

 
  • Obtained defense verdict in multiple personal injury matters
  • Secured summary judgment in eminent domain proceeding
  • Obtained six-figure settlement in medical malpractice action
  • Counseled healthcare professionals on risk mitigation and event management
  • Secured reinstatement of medical billing privileges
  • Obtained significant arbitration award in a physician’s shareholder dispute
  • Represented medical staff and health care professionals in corrective action process through internal fair hearing and appellate review process
  • Developed medical staff bylaws and policies for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and long-term care facilities in accordance with federal and state law and applicable accreditation standards
  • Counseled healthcare practices regarding HIPAA and HITECH standards
  • Represented healthcare professionals investigated by the Office of General Counsel before various state licensing boards
  • Obtained dismissal of case involving alleged transmission of HCV during blood donation
  • Obtained arbitration award in breach of contract dispute

Education

 
  • Kenyon College, B.A., 2000
    • Pi Sigma Alpha
  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2003
    • University of Pittsburgh Law Review
    • K. Leroy Irvis Scholar
    • Order of the Coif

Bar Admissions

 
  • Pennsylvania
  • New Jersey
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
  • U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Professional Organizations

 
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Bar Association of Lehigh County
  • Northampton County Bar Association

Honors & Affiliations

 
  • Named a Woman of Influence by Lehigh Valley Business, 2021
  • Selected for inclusion in Pennsylvania’s Super Lawyers, 2021 – Present
  • Recipient of Lynette Norton Award, Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Commission on Women in the Profession. 2020
  • Named to National Black Lawyers Top 100 List, 2020 – Present
  • Named a Healthcare Power Player, Lehigh Valley Business, 2020
  • Recipient of Pennsylvania Bar Association President’s Award, 2018
  • Named one of Forty under 40, Lehigh Valley Business, 2015
  • Selected for inclusion in Pennsylvania Super Lawyers – Rising Star Edition 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 – 2018
  • Named a Select Lawyer in:
    • Medical Malpractice Law, 2014
    • Healthcare Law, 2015 – 2017
  • Named Legal Leader by Lehigh Valley Magazine, 2016 -2017

Community Activity

 
  • Kenyon Fund Executive Committee Chair
  • Kenyon College Campaign Leadership Committee
  • League of Women Voters of Lehigh County
  • Parkland School District Equity and Inclusion Community Committee
  • Society of the Arts (SOTA)
  • Cetronia Elementary School PAC, Former President and Member
  • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Advisory Council of Lehigh Valley Inter Regional Networking & Connecting Consortium (LINC), Former Member
  • The Hillside School, Board of Trustees, Former Member
  • Lehigh Valley Children’s Center Board of Directors, Former Member