Kara Friedman is a Member at Aronberg Goldgehn in the Healthcare and Business Law and Transaction practice groups. She advises clients on a wide range of regulatory and compliance matters, including physician self-referral restrictions and compensation arrangements, professional standards and regulation, healthcare fraud and abuse, contracting issues, facility licensure and accreditation, related survey and life safety code issues, and health planning matters. Kara’s practice focuses on general representation of healthcare providers, including advising clients on the structures and relationships among providers within the complex federal and state regulatory environment.
Kara oversees joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions activities of healthcare providers. Regularly, she provides advice on ongoing provider transactions and operations. The clients she represents include health systems and acute care, rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, residential treatment facilities, dialysis providers, ambulatory surgery centers and medical groups. Kara has an active Certificate of Need practice, advising clients in all matters under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Kara began practicing law as an Associate at a boutique health law firm after her graduation from Loyola University. Soon after, she moved to Ross & Hardies where she was promoted to Partner. In 2003, Ross & Hardies changed to their current title, McGuireWoods. She continued working there until 2010, when Kara transitioned her practice as a Shareholder to Polsinelli. During her legal career, Kara has consistently been working in the Health Care practice group. Kara joined Aronberg Goldgehn in 2025 as a Member. She is ranked in Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Healthcare, Illinois, 2023-2025.SPEECHES AND PUBLICATIONS
- Co-Author, “Primarily Engaged” In Hospital Services: What Critical Access and Other Small Hospitals Need to Know, Health Care Reimbursement and Payor Dispute Update, 2020
- Co- Author, Taking Care of Essential Business Despite Growing Number of Stay-at-Home Orders, Polsinelli at Work Blog, 2020
- Co- Author, Despite Planning Underway to “Re-Open America,’ Gap in Child Care Anticipated to Continue to Impact Workforce, Polsinelli at Work Blog, 2020
- Author, New SAMHSA Rule Expands Access to Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, 2024
RELATED NEWS
Loyola University, J.D., 1993
University of Michigan, B. A, 1989
BAR AND COURT ADMISSIONS
- Illinois
MEMBERSHIPS
- Illinois Chamber Healthcare Council
- American Health Law Association
- Illinois Association of Healthcare Attorneys
LEADERSHIP ROLES
- Member, Annals of Health Law
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Volunteer, Be The Match (National Marrow Donor Program)
- Mentor, LINK Unlimited Scholars
- Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
PERSONAL
What do you love most about being an attorney?Using my knowledge and experience to help healthcare organizations navigate the evolving challenges they face and to see them succeed and serve their communities effectively. I appreciate collaborating with committed professionals who bring strong expertise and enjoy offering needed guidance.
What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago?
Table, Donkey and Stick in Logan Square (or any other tucked away cozy neighborhood restaurant that appreciates great ambiance).
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I’m fluent in Spanish and particularly enjoy travel to Spanish-speaking countries with my family. I also love being in, on and around lakes and rivers, entertaining (especially around our firepit), fitness, cycling, and racquet sports.
Any other personal facts:
I feel lucky to live in the Chicago area and I appreciate its diversity. Friendships are important to me, both in my personal and professional relationships -- and I love my pets and the rest of my family!
