Leah Brannon Named 2017 M&A and Antitrust Trailblazer by National Law Journal

The National Law Journal has named Cleary Gottlieb partner Leah Brannon to its list of  2017 M&A and Antitrust Trailblazers.

The NLJ highlighted Leah’s work representing Teladoc after the Texas Medical Board adopted a rule that allowed only traditional doctors doing call coverage to treat patients over the phone without a prior in-person exam. This rule would have effectively ended telehealth in Texas for providers like Teladoc, which typically serve patients who need minor or routine medical attention. “The board argued the rule was for patient safety, but it was clear from the call-coverage exemption that it was not,” Leah commented. “[T]hey were clearly targeting the telehealth industry.” Leah helped to secure a preliminary injunction and dispute the Texas Medical Board’s appeal that claimed it was immune to antitrust laws. In October 2016, the Texas Medical Board withdrew its appeal.

Leah told the NLJ that she foresees the trend in state action continuing to dominate antitrust litigation, as well as further development of the law in pharmaceutical antitrust, product hopping and loyalty discounts.

Leah was also recently recognized as one of the “Top 250 Women in Litigation” by Benchmark Litigation.