Healthcare Fraud Defense based in Chicago

Stephen Lee is a former federal prosecutor in Chicago who focuses on healthcare fraud defense. He brings extensive legal and investigative experience to help doctors, medical professionals, businesspeople, and organizations facing government investigations and criminal charges involving healthcare fraud and the Anti-Kickback Statute. With a deep understanding of healthcare laws and data analytics, Stephen provides strategic defense solutions tailored to meet his clients' unique needs.

A Former Federal Prosecutor

As an Assistant United States Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois, Stephen won convictions in all 17 trials, including eight trials involving healthcare fraud and/or the Anti-Kickback Statute. In private practice, he has won acquittals and dismissals in multiple healthcare fraud trials.

He has also won critical legal issues that occur frequently in healthcare fraud cases. In one of his cases, the judge rejected the government’s attempt to use an improper definition of “willfulness.” In another, the judge denied the government’s request for a large restitution order. Admitted to the bar in New York, Illinois, and California, Stephen also actively contributes to the legal community through his work with the Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago and the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter.

Just months into starting his solo practice, Stephen joined the defense team of Dr. Richard Paulus, an interventional cardiologist who was facing health health care fraud charges in a decadelong matter. Stephen served as second chair in the 2023 trial, which resulted in the acquittal and dismissal of all charges.

“My chief counsel requested Stephen to join the defense when she learned of his incisive familiarity with healthcare data analytics. He seamlessly worked his way onto the team as co-counsel in an arena notorious for big egos. They all worked together with passion and superb execution. I thank Stephen for his tremendous contribution. He is truly a nice, ethical guy and projected that to the jury, coupled with his intense passion in his client's defense. After a 5 week trial, we won. As you likely know, this is a most unusual outcome in healthcare fraud, and I am eternally grateful to Stephen for his immense contribution.”

A talk about this case is online here. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Investigations

Experience in conducting detailed investigations and challenging flawed ones, leveraging a unique background in journalism, law, and data analytics.

Healthcare Fraud

Deep experience with healthcare fraud defense, focusing on Medicare laws and the crucial aspect of "willfulness."

Data Analytics

Advanced use of data analysis in legal cases, emphasizing the importance of effectively leveraging big data for strategic advantages and investigative purposes.

Anti-Kickback Statue

Focused defense against Anti-Kickback Statute allegations, utilizing comprehensive legal knowledge to navigate complexities, including the element of “willfulness.”

Resources

Stephen writes and speaks regularly about legal issues, real-life and fictional investigations, Asian American legal history, and other topics.

Healthcare Fraud Overview

Nationwide, healthcare fraud significantly impacts the healthcare system through schemes that drain resources and compromise patient care.

At the same time, mistakes and misguided assumptions in government investigations can devastate doctors, businesspeople, and others who may have erred but acted in good faith. Effective representation in this field requires legal expertise, data analytics, and a deep understanding of healthcare operations.

Rookery Building
209 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 950
Chicago, IL 60604