Ashley Pearson, Partner
Ashley has a wide array of experience in many different practice areas across multiple business lines. After starting her legal career at a large law firm focusing on commercial real estate development and finance, Ashley went in-house, first with the legal department of a major hospital system and then as the first general counsel of one of the largest independent multi-specialty medical practices in North Carolina. In her role as general counsel, she managed all governance matters as corporate secretary, oversaw all legal operations as well as the corporate compliance department, and controlled outside legal selection and spend.
Ashley considers herself a life-long learner, always willing to dig into new areas and develop new skills and expertise. She prides herself on being calm under pressure and providing thoughtful, concise, and actionable advice. Ashley also has extensive experience speaking with executive teams and presenting to industry groups on a wide range of subjects.
Her experience includes:
Developing the legal and compliance function of an in-house legal department in order to manage the full spectrum of legal needs, including human resources, finance, regulatory, litigation, physician contracting, vendor contracting, professional service agreements, and other corporate matters;
Serving as lead real estate counsel on a wide range of matters, including drafting and negotiation of commercial real estate leases, purchase and sale agreements, easements and related documents; advising clients on fraud and abuse risks, compliance with North Carolina law, and Certificate of Need issues; and handling all real estate components of hospital combinations and physician practice acquisitions and dispositions;
Acting as lead marketing counsel with expertise in HIPAA, fraud and abuse regulations, co-branding/joint marketing, social media and digital marketing, sports marketing, and sponsorships;
Management of a variety of patient care matters, including patient consent, treatment of minors, subpoenas for medical information, and public records requests; and
Speaking engagements at multiple industry group conferences, including:
“Trends in Property Management,” Panel Discussion, Hall Render Health Care Real Estate Legal Summit, Scottsdale, AZ, 2019
“Stark and Anti-Kickback for Real Estate,” Panel Discussion, CoreNet Mega Event, Charlotte, NC, 2016
“Developing a Real Estate Compliance Program,” Hall Render Health Care Real Estate Seminar, Denver, CO, 2016
“Constructing a Comprehensive Real Estate Compliance Work Plan,” Health Care Compliance Association National Conference, Las Vegas, NV, 2016
“Avoiding Pitfalls: Why Hospitals and Health Care Providers Need a Space Lease Compliance Program,” BOMA International’s Medical Office Buildings & Healthcare Facilities Conference – Cleveland, OH, 2015
Bar Admissions
North Carolina, 2006
Education
Washington & Lee School of Law, JD, 2006
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BA with Distinction, 2003
Affiliations
Member, Mecklenburg County Bar
Member, North Carolina Bar Association
Law Counsel Member, Washington & Lee School of Law
Board of Directors of Brave Step
Coach, Girls on the Run
Personal
Ashley lives in Charlotte with her husband, two kids (Riley & Emilie) and Bernedoodle, Cassie. In her spare time, she runs (slowly), DJs her son’s Little League games, and vacuums all the dog hair.
“I strongly believe that great attorneys take time to learn about their clients’ business operations and strategic priorities in order to provide advice and counsel that weighs legal risks without losing sight of the business objectives. Attorneys should be partners in achieving business goals, not obstacles”
704-430-9080