Frier Levitt, a national health care and life sciences law firm with offices in Pine Brook, announced it added five accomplished attorneys to its growing team — two new partners and three associates. The additions further strengthen the firm’s capabilities across health care litigation, regulatory compliance, employee benefits, and life sciences law.
Frier Levitt is continuing to invest in deepening its bench across key practice areas, including complex litigation, health care fraud and abuse, employee benefits, tax and life sciences. The new attorneys bring complementary strengths that align with the firm’s long-term growth and client service goals.
“These hires are part of our long-term strategy to enhance the depth of our legal team and expand our leadership in key sectors,” Daniel Frier, co-founding partner of Frier Levitt said. “Each attorney brings a unique skill set and perspective that strengthens our ability to serve clients facing increasingly complex regulatory, transactional, and litigation challenges.”
- William Hurlock: A veteran litigator with over 27 years of experience, Hurlock joins as a partner focusing on False Claims Act (FCA), whistleblower, and complex health care fraud litigation. He has recovered more than $600 million on behalf of the U.S. government and is nationally recognized for his work in fraud enforcement and health care compliance. In addition to litigation, Hurlock has been appointed by federal courts and government entities to advise on police reform issues. He also brings significant public service experience, having served three consecutive terms as a councilman and Deputy Mayor in Montclair.
- Candace Quinn: An ERISA and tax attorney, Quinn joins Frier Levitt as a partner with deep experience in executive compensation, employee benefits, and health and welfare plans. She advises multinational and domestic companies on U.S. regulatory compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA, addressing executive compensation and incentive arrangements, plan-sponsored retirement, and health and welfare benefit plans, including self-funded medical plans. She conducts IRC and ERISA fiduciary operational retirement and medical plan compliance audits which will now include Pharmacy Benefit Manager audit services by Frier Levitt attorneys. She provides U.S. representation for ERISA and tax due diligence reviews in mergers and acquisitions. She has extensive experience advising health care and life sciences companies on benefit plan design, compliance, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), HIPAA, COBRA, ERISA fiduciary duties and standards of care, plan asset cybersecurity and data privacy, and fiduciary best practice governance. She has represented companies in Department of Labor and IRS governmental plan audits and has supported Plan Sponsor ERISA litigation.
- Emma Bekhet: Bekhet is an associate in Frier Levitt’s Healthcare Group where she represents clients in complex disputes involving healthcare providers, insurers, and other industry stakeholders. Prior to joining the firm, Bekhet served as in-house trial counsel for a nationwide insurance company, handling litigation matters. While earning her J.D. at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, she gained hands-on experience advising startups and assisting with IP issues through clinical programs. She holds dual B.A. degrees in Biology and Law, Technology, and Culture from New Jersey Institute of Technology, graduating magna cum laude. She is fluent in Egyptian Arabic.
- Christopher Furlong: Furlong is an associate in Frier Levitt’s Healthcare Group, focusing on compliance and regulatory matters involving the False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, and HIPAA. He has extensive litigation experience and has worked closely with government agencies on False Claims Act investigations. He brings unique insights to healthcare clients navigating federal enforcement actions. Christopher earned his J.D. and B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin and holds an A.M. from Harvard University. He is fluent in Portuguese and proficient in Spanish.
- Paul St. Marie, Jr. : St. Marie, Jr. is an associate in Frier Levitt’s Life Sciences Litigation Group. He represents pharmacies and healthcare providers in complex litigation and arbitration, including PBM audits, licensing issues, and Board of Pharmacy matters. He also brings a strong intellectual property background, including experience in Hatch-Waxman patent litigation. St. Marie, Jr. is a graduate of Rutgers Law School and holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Widener University.
