Healthcare Regulatory and Transactions Partner Jake Harper Returns to Morgan Lewis Following General Counsel Role

WASHINGTON, DC, November 3, 2026: Morgan Lewis is pleased to announce the return of Jacob Harper as a partner in its FDA & Healthcare practice, resident in Washington, DC, after serving as general counsel of Elara Caring, a national home health, hospice, and personal care services provider. Jake, who previously spent more than a decade at the firm, brings an extensive background advising physician groups, home care, and other healthcare providers; digital and AI-driven healthcare companies; and investors on regulatory compliance, transactions, and disputes.

“Jake’s return reflects the lasting relationships and collaborative culture that distinguish Morgan Lewis, where connections with our lawyers extend well beyond their time at the firm,” said Firm Chair David McManus. “Expanding our market-leading global healthcare practice is a key strategic priority for the firm, and Jake’s addition underscores our commitment to investing in exceptional talent that strengthens our client relationships and deepens our expertise in the healthcare sector. His relationships across our practices, combined with his extensive experience advising healthcare organizations, create opportunities to expand our work with clients and bring the full breadth of our capabilities to their most pressing business needs.”

Jake’s practice spans healthcare regulatory compliance, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, government investigations, False Claims Act matters, and healthcare mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on the physician, home health, hospice, and post-acute care sectors. He represents purchasers and investors in healthcare transactions and advises businesses on sales and recapitalizations, including change-of-ownership considerations involving state licenses, Medicare and Medicaid enrollment, and commercial payment contracts. He also manages federal investigations and counsels clients on federal healthcare program requirements, Anti-Kickback Statute compliance, and enforcement risk. As general counsel of Elara Caring, he oversaw legal and compliance functions, including matters related to a complex, enterprise-wide private equity transaction.

“Healthcare organizations face important legal and business decisions that require a sophisticated understanding of both regulatory requirements and commercial realities,” said Michele Buenafe, leader of the firm’s FDA & Healthcare practice. “Jake's experience advising on healthcare transactions, reimbursement, and compliance matters, informed by his recent time as general counsel, brings a practical perspective that will be especially valuable to providers and investors addressing these interconnected issues.”