Founding Partner

Past recipient of the Public Counsel Law Center's "Outstanding Advocate" Award, Tracy Green is a founding partner of Green & Associates. She combines more than 25 years of experience with a strategic, results-oriented approach and is considered to be one of California's preeminent attorneys in fraud investigations and audits, complex white collar investigations and cases, health care regulatory issues, administrative law and licensing law, litigation (complex civil and criminal), and health care regulatory matters.

Tracy is and has been counsel on hundreds of state and federal fraud investigations and cases including some of the largest in the state involving Medi-Cal and Medicare fraud, all kinds of insurance fraud, workers' compensation premium fraud, kickback allegations, and whistleblower qui tam allegations. With her extensive experience in health care, audit and regulatory matters, including compliance, Tracy focuses on problem solving at the earliest stages of client representation and looks at the "big picture" in addressing all investigation, administrative, and litigation matters.

Tracy is routinely brought in by transactional attorneys to address the potential litigation and compliance issues clients face in the "real" world in structuring contracts and transactions involving regulated businesses and individuals. Her approach involves focusing on a client's goals and business, understanding the client's business at a deep level, and finding a cost-efficient and value building solution if possible. There are some cases that are "bet the company" cases or that require trial but time is spent to ensure that clients make well-reasoned decisions based on the facts, know when to be aggressive, and understand all aspects of the case and risks. Other attorneys bring Tracy in as counsel for their cases for her "think out of the box" approach" when they need insight and strategic thinking on complex and sensitive cases or want insight on how to best approach the government or investigating agencies.

After earning a Juris Doctor degree with honors from the University of Arizona Law School in 1987, Tracy clerked for Justice William A. Holohan of the Arizona Supreme Court and for Judge Joe Contreras of the Arizona Court of Appeals. She was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1988. In her career, Tracy worked at two large national and international firms, respectively: Lewis, Brisebois and McDermott, Will & Emery, noted for the quality of their trial and health care litigation departments.

"I am passionate about achieving the best possible result for my clients," she says. "I have an immense work ethic. I'm tenacious, I prepare meticulously, and I put my client's future first. I protect my clients to the best of my ability and always emphasize the importance of taking control of legal issues at the earliest opportunity."

Tracy uses her expertise in regulated industries such as health care, workers compensation, and insurance to help educate and persuade government regulators, auditors and attorneys in investigations and cases. Where needed, experts are brought in at the beginning of matters in order to address compliance or assess strengths and weaknesses and present experts as needed in civil cases, government audits and investigations, administrative hearings, and preparation for government agency or Board interviews.

Government and Political Engagement

Tracy grew up in Arizona, received a B.A. in economics from Arizona State University, where she held an academic scholarship. While in college, she worked at the Residential Utility Consumer Office (RUCO) — an Arizona state agency created by former Gov. Bruce Babbitt representing consumers in the rate setting process for utilities. It was at RUCO that she realized that a law career would enable her to make a real difference in people's lives including their businesses and saw the important role the government has on businesses and individuals. Tracy quickly saw that a call from her, working at a governmental agency, to a private utility or other agency got her to decision makers and cut through bureaucratic red tape.

Tracy's success in many governmental investigations and compliance is due in large part to her civic, government and community involvement through which she has created a network of political, community and business relationships. She understand the issues that drive many governmental investigations, audits and cases as well as civil lawsuits and legal problems. Tracy's ability to understand the important relationships between federal, state, county and city agencies, public health and social services issues, and the importance of credibility at all levels helps provide her with the ability to create solutions for clients that go beyond making "arguments" or "litigating."

Growing up in Arizona helped Tracy realize the importance of being able to collaborate and have a productive dialogue even when there are political differences. Tracy began working as a volunteer for political campaigns and social agencies at an early age and she understands the value of a nonpartisan but active approach in social, justice and political issues. While in law school, she worked on drafting legislation for Planned Parenthood's board on AIDs issues and coordinated with Senator Barry Goldwater's staff since she knew that Senator Goldwater's wife Peggy was instrumental in founding Planned Parenthood in Arizona.

In the 1998 Democratic primary campaign, for example, Hillary Clinton was the frontrunner. When a law school classmate of now President Obama asked for Tracy to get involved on an emergency basis in the campaign's California Committee of Voter Integrity, Tracy knew that the work she did supported all voters whether Democrat or Republican since it helped give voters access to the polls. Tracy's extensive volunteer work in campaigns over the past 30 years have created important relationships that lasted for years. Tracy has continued to work on political campaigns for both Democratic and Republican candidates - work that focuses on important issues, credible candidates and not partisan politics.

When the State of California was facing fraud and over utilization issues in Medi-Cal beneficiaries and was auditing health care providers, Tracy worked with medical societies and governmental agencies in arranging public meetings to address the overall issues of access to health care, Medi-Cal patient demands on providers, over utilization issues, and how to address health needs of low income and ethnic communities (diabetes, undiagnosed and untreated mental health issues and complex case) while addressing the government and private payers. Many cases and investigations, even smaller cases, are driven by political issues and it is critical to understand how judges, government regulators, prosecutors and politicians think to formulate winning strategies.

Community and Professional Involvement

Committed to giving back to the community, Tracy has applied her legal skills and expertise to community and professional organizations that address social issues important to her including: justice for veterans, those with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities (including autism), juveniles, those with drug and alcohol issues, the elderly and the homeless. Tracy's clients include business and individuals who treat and provide services for these patient populations (hospitals, physician groups, and nursing homes) as well as individuals who face some of these challenges. Her community and pro bono work on these issues has helped her understand her clients' businesses and legal issues. Tracy's community and professional involvement includes:

• California Naturopathic Doctors Association, Legal Consultant to Board and former Board Member
• Volunteer Attorney, Public Counsel Law Center: Juvenile Justice, Homeless Prevention (Homeless Court), Veteran's Advancement (Veteran's Court)
• Betty Ford Center, Licensed Professionals Treatment Program, Confidentlal Advisor to Licensed Professionals
• Legal Consultant to Board, American Russian Medical Association
• Volunteer Attorney, Philippine Medical Association of Southern California
• Member Volunteer, California Association of Adult Day Health Care Services
• American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 214, Former Member Board of Directors and Director Special Events
• Arroyo Vista Elementary and South Pasadena Middle Schools (South Pasadena, CA), Former Member of both Executive Board
• South Pasadena Tiger Athletic Booster Club, Former Board Member & Treasurer
• California Chapter of American College of Emergency Physicians, Former Legal Consultant
• California Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, Former Legal Consultant

Speaking Engagements and Seminars

At professional conferences nationwide, Tracy speaks to lawyers on defending health care fraud cases, representing professionals in criminal and administrative matters, and appropriate responses to government investigations. She also speaks to medical groups and associations on compliance, how to protect their practices or businesses, and how to respond to audits and investigations. Speaking engagements and seminars include:

• Speaker, California Naturopathic Doctors Association (December 2014)
• Speaker, Harvest Moon Dinner & Art Auction, Benefitting Children With Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities at Pasadena Child Development Associates (September 2014)
• "Pain Management - Corresponding Responsibility for Pharmacists and Physicians and Top 10 Legal Issues," Pain Medicine Conference (February 2014)
• "How to Respond to Audit or Request for Interview - When the Government Comes Knocking," presented to numerous state medical associations and health care businesses (2011 to 2014)
• "HIPAA Training and Workplace Audits," presented to numerous health care businesses (2010 to 2014)
• "Protecting Your Practice: Top 10 Most Important Legal & Compliance Issues," California Naturopathic Doctors Association (April 2011 Webinar)
• "How to Best be Prepared for a Medical Review Audit or Onsite Visit," California Association for Adult Day Services (CAADS)(Fall Meeting 2009)
• "Emerging Issues In State & Federal Health Care Fraud Cases: Collateral Consequences From A Health Care Provider's Criminal Investigation, Felony Or Misdemeanor Charge and/or Conviction," National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Fall 2009 Meeting Portland)
• "Overview of Healthcare Fraud Investigations -- Computer Issues," National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Spring 2007 Meeting San Diego)
• "Creative Solutions for Difficult Problems: Preparing An Advocacy Package for Your Client," CME Program for Public Counsel Law Center
• "Healthcare Practice Compliance Issues, Session I," American Russian Medical Association (March 2003 Beverly Hills)
• "Responding to an Audit, Government Investigation or Other Administrative Request," American Russian Medical Association (April 2003 Beverly Hills)
• "Public Health & Physician Practice Issues In Treating Low-Income & Ethnic Senior Citizens," American Russian Medical Association (July 2008, West Hollywood)
• "Protecting Your Practice: Common Legal Issues," California Naturopathic Doctors Association (March 2009 San Francisco)

Legal Professional Associations and Memberships

Tracy is committed to giving back to the legal community, and staying ahead of the curve on legal issues. Her many professional memberships include the American Bar Association, the American Health Lawyers Association, the California Society for Healthcare Attorneys, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and California Public Defenders Association. She is a former board member of Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2007-2010) and past Co-Chair of the White Collar Crime Committee.

Areas of Practice

As mentioned above, while Tracy represents clients in civil, regulatory, audit, compliance, investigatory and criminal matters, the practice areas can be summarized as follows:

• Administrative Law
• Litigation
• Compliance & Regulatory Defense
• Criminal & White Collar Defense

Bar Admissions

• California, 1998
• Admitted to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, and U.S. Districts Courts for the Central, Southern, Northern and

Education

• University of Arizona College of Law, Tucson, Arizona
• J.D. - May, 1987
• Honors: Cum Laude
• Arizona State University
• Honors: Academic Scholarship
• Honors: Dean's List
• Major: Economics B.A.
• Minor: Latin American Studies

Honors and Awards

• Nominee for 2013 Women Making a Difference Award, Los Angeles Business Journal
• County of Los Angeles - Pro Bono Attorney Award 2012
• Public Counsel Law Center's "Outstanding Advocate" Award, 1999