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Best Pharmacy Wholesale Liability Firms in USA

Non-sponsored, Expert Verified and Transparently Ranked Pharmacy Wholesale Liability Firms in USA

Published: January 2, 2026 | Verified by: Ted Scheiman & Rob Watts

Executive Summary

We analyzed 5 solutions. Top Recommendation: Litigation & Disputes Legal Services by Reed Smith LLP scored highest due to Best for national drug wholesalers and distributors facing complex opioid and product liability litigation while maintaining compliant distribution networks. Demonstrated defense wins for leading distributors [1](https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2022/07/reed-smith-wins-landmark-trial-defending-wholesale-distrib-opioid-liability), robust state licensing and accreditation support for wholesale/3PL networks [2](https://www.reedsmith.com/our-industries/health-care-life-sciences/fda-eu-regulatory-compliance-and-enforcement/), and nationally recognized life sciences litigation strength [3](https://www.reedsmith.com/our-industries/health-care-life-sciences/health-care-life-sciences-litigation-and-arbitration/)..

Content Verification

15
Total Sources
January 2, 2026
Last Verified
100%
Evidence Coverage

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature#1 Litigation & Disputes Legal Services (Reed Smith LLP)#2 Legal Services (Quarles & Brady LLP)#3 Legal Services by Practice Area (Holland & Knight LLP)#4 National Health Care and Life Sciences Industry Consulting Services (via EBGA Advisors) (Epstein Becker Green (EBG))#5 Life Sciences & Pharmacy Legal Services (Frier Levitt, LLC)
Best ForBest for national drug wholesalers and distributors facing complex opioid and product liability litigation while maintaining compliant distribution networks. Demonstrated defense wins for leading distributors [1], robust state licensing and accreditation support for wholesale/3PL networks [2], and nationally recognized life sciences litigation strength [3].Best for pharmacy wholesalers seeking end‑to‑end regulatory counsel, including licensing across all 50 states, DEA/DSCSA compliance, and supply‑chain strategy. Quarles serves the full pharma distribution ecosystem [1], advises on distribution, licensing and DEA matters [2], and fields pharmacist‑attorneys with a .pharmacy designation [3].Best for wholesalers and distributors needing turnkey licensing/permitting, contracting, and regulatory guidance amid shifting distribution models. The Pharmacy Team explicitly serves wholesalers/distributors [1], provides licensing and change‑of‑ownership support [2], and publishes DSCSA insights shaping compliance planning [3].Best for pharmaceutical distributors, wholesalers, and 3PLs seeking comprehensive FDA/DEA compliance and state‑by‑state licensing advice integrated with transactions. EBG’s dedicated distribution team represents wholesalers and 3PLs [1], tracks forthcoming national licensure standards [2], and aligns programs to DSCSA’s evolving framework [3].Best for small to mid‑size pharmacy wholesalers needing specialized counsel on DEA rules, state pharmacy acts, and fraud‑and‑abuse risks. The firm’s practice is tailored to wholesalers/distributors nationwide [1], and it helps navigate licensure obligations for authorized trading partners [2], including strict state requirements such as California’s wholesaler permit [3].
Litigation ExperienceGlobal disputes team of 800+ lawyers handling complex, high‑stakes, multi‑jurisdictional matters across antitrust, IP, product liability, class actions, and arbitration. (reedsmith.com) They’ve defended thousands of class actions and won a complete defense verdict for opioid distributors in a three‑month federal trial. (reedsmith.com) Ranked Tier 1 by Legal 500 for product liability defense; recognized for cross‑border disputes. (reedsmith.com)Trial-tested nationwide: Quarles has tried cases to verdict in 45 states and handled litigation matters in every state across product liability, IP, labor & employment, commercial and toxic tort. (quarles.com) Recognitions include BTI’s “Most Feared in Litigation” (Awesome Opponents 2025) and National Tier 1 Commercial Litigation in Best Law Firms 2026. (quarles.com)Operates one of the largest litigation practices in the U.S. and Latin America, covering federal/state trials and appeals, arbitration/ADR, and tech-enabled e-discovery management. (hklaw.com) In healthcare/pharmacy, litigators handle PBM disputes, licensing challenges, regulatory violations, reimbursement disputes, professional liability claims, and False Claims Act defense. (hklaw.com)EBG brings substantial litigation depth supporting EBGA’s consulting: seasoned trial lawyers defend life sciences and health care clients in federal and state courts; handle government investigations, enforcement actions, FCA/qui tam, criminal and civil cases; and manage class actions and product liability (drug/device) matters, with experience before administrative and private tribunals. (ebglaw.com)Represents clients in PBM disputes/arbitrations, network terminations, restrictive covenant suits; defends FCA/qui tam, healthcare fraud, and investigative subpoena matters; handles complex class actions and white‑collar defense. Track record includes reversing PBM audits/terminations and obtaining a $6.25M plan‑sponsor settlement. (frierlevitt.com)
Integrated Support ServicesIntegrated support includes: Records & E‑Discovery (60+ attorneys; tech‑first, AI‑enabled discovery and information governance); GravityStack subsidiary delivering data/AI‑driven litigation tech, solutions architects, and project management; and Reed Smith Global Solutions hubs (Pittsburgh/Leeds) providing 24/7 operational support with staff attorneys, e‑discovery lawyers, and centralized docketing. (reedsmith.com)Integrated support includes a Legal Operations & Innovation team for pricing, matter budgeting, dashboards, workflow automation and data analytics, working with client legal ops. (quarles.com) Health/life sciences clients get nationwide licensing/board representation and regulatory tracking. (quarles.com) Ongoing education through webinars with CLE. (quarles.com) Cross-practice collaboration provides 360° compliance and enforcement defense. (quarles.com)Integrated Support Services: Clear Diligence provides due diligence, VDR support, project management, and contract review/abstraction. (hklaw.com) An investigative unit and outside specialists deliver comprehensive litigation support. (hklaw.com) A centralized Operations Center provides research/library, IT and information governance to lawyers and clients. (hklaw.com) Services are delivered via integrated, multidisciplinary teams across practices. (hklaw.com)Integrated support services: EBG Advisors integrates consulting, legal (Epstein Becker Green), and policy advocacy (National Health Advisors) to deliver a one‑stop, end‑to‑end service, from strategy and regulatory compliance to implementation, including projects like an Integrated Delivery System for Dual Eligibles. (ebgadvisors.com)Integrated support includes in-house counsel staffing for discrete, high-volume projects, provided on-site or off-site, short- or long-term, managed by senior attorneys. (frierlevitt.com) It also serves as outside compliance counsel delivering policy and procedure and corrective action plan development, compliance audits, staff training, and ongoing client education via webinars. (frierlevitt.com)
Regulatory Compliance ExpertiseIntegrates deep FDA/EU and health-care regulatory expertise into disputes: advising on cGMP/GDP compliance, manufacturing and distribution supply-chain logistics, state pharmacy licensing and distribution networks, and postmarket/advertising rules; handles inspections, investigations, and responses to FDA Form 483s and Warning/Untitled Letters; and provides regulatory support in litigation strategy and defense. (reedsmith.com)Pharmacy-focused regulatory counsel: advises on DEA compliance, DSCSA, FDA issues, HIPAA/privacy; manages licensing, audits, and regulatory inquiries; represents clients before all 50 state boards; supports 340B, Medicare/Medicaid, and distribution compliance, leveraging pharmacist-lawyers and longstanding regulator relationships. (quarles.com)Comprehensive pharmacy regulatory counsel: federal/state/local compliance (DEA, HIPAA, Medicare/Medicaid, Anti‑Kickback, Stark), licensing and permitting with sequenced filings, PBM regulatory guidance, compliance programs and internal audits, and representation in Board of Pharmacy/DEA/DOJ/HHS OCR investigations and False Claims Act matters to minimize disruption and risk. (hklaw.com)Advises manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and 3PLs on FDA/DEA compliance, DSCSA requirements, drug importation, and state‑by‑state licensing; conducts regulatory due diligence, audits, and post‑closing guidance in M&A; and supports responses to inspections, investigations, and enforcement. (ebglaw.com) Integrated with EBG Advisors, providing non‑lawyer regulatory experts alongside attorneys for practical implementation. (ebglaw.com)Provides nationwide regulatory counsel on DEA and controlled-substance rules, State Pharmacy Practice Acts, AKS/Stark/FCA, HIPAA/CLIA/EKRA; licensing and Board of Pharmacy inspections. (frierlevitt.com) Offers FDA compliance (drugs/devices), labeling, CGMP and warning-letter responses; PBM audit readiness/defense; and 340B compliance. (frierlevitt.com)
5 Companies Listed
1Reed Smith LLP logo
Reed Smith LLP
reedsmith.com

Reed Smith LLPCompany Information

Industry: Energy & Natural Resources
API: No

Description

Reed Smith combines nearly 150 years of history with a culture of collaboration, excellence, and innovation. They deliver meaningful outcomes for clients while fostering an environment where talent thrives.

What They Do

Full-service legal capabilities across various industries.

Who They Serve

Domestic and multinational clients addressing complex legal and business challenges.

Key Value Propositions

Global legal solutions
Industry-focused teams
Collaboration and innovation

Case Studies

Reed Smith advises Crayon Partners on debut pan-European residential fund set to deploy €150m Crayon Partners

This transaction involved the acquisition of 17 rent-to-buy residential units in Southall, Greater London.

Read Case Study →
Reed Smith advises Art-Invest Real Estate on £350m+ disposal at Dockside Canada Water Art-Invest Real Estate

The transaction enables the delivery of a major student-led residential scheme in one of London’s most significant regeneration areas.

Read Case Study →

Target Customers

Domestic clients
Multinational corporations

Industries Served

Energy & Natural Resources
Entertainment & Media
Financial Services
Health Care & Life Sciences
Transportation

Summary

Reed Smith’s product liability team handles high‑stakes litigation for pharmaceutical companies and distributors. The firm has defended leading wholesale distributors in opioid public‑nuisance cases and also advises on regulatory issues tied to distribution networks.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive litigation and dispute resolution services
  • Representation in complex, high-stakes, and multi-jurisdictional matters
  • Early identification and leverage of critical issues
  • Negotiation, settlement, and aggressive litigation strategies
  • Sector-specific experience and strategies

Key Benefits

  • Access to a globally recognized team of over 800 lawyers
  • Deep industry insight for proactive risk identification
  • Customized litigation strategies aligned with business and regulatory needs
  • Protection of organizational operations and long-term value
  • Safeguarding client interests at every stage of the dispute

Who Is It For

  • Organizations facing complex legal challenges
  • Clients involved in high-stakes or multi-jurisdictional disputes
  • Businesses in financial services, health care and life sciences, energy, transportation, and entertainment and media sectors

Overview

As a global leader in litigation and dispute resolution, Reed Smith offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to your complex legal challenges. With experience in jurisdictions worldwide and a unique blend of trial capabilities, business acumen, and negotiation skills, we frequently represent clients in complex, high-stakes, and multi-jurisdictional matters. Our globally recognized disputes team of more than 800 lawyers covers a wide range of practice areas, including antitrust, appellate, commercial litigation, employment, enforcement and prosecutions, insurance recovery, intellectual property, international arbitration, product liability, securities, and tax. We identify critical issues early and leverage them to our clients’ advantage, whether through negotiation, settlement, or aggressive litigation. Building on this breadth, we bring deep industry insight across financial services, health care and life sciences, energy, transportation, and entertainment and media. This sector-specific experience enables us to proactively identify emerging risks, develop litigation strategies that align with your business and regulatory landscape, and deliver results that protect your organization’s operations and long-term value. Because we understand how disputes arise and play out within these industries, we can customize our approach to address the unique pressures and priorities facing your business, ensuring that your interests are safeguarded at every stage.

Areas of focus

Practice areas include: Appellate, Business & Commercial Disputes, Class & Collective Action Litigation, Insurance Recovery, Intellectual Property, International Arbitration, Labor, Employment & Benefits, Managed Care, Product Liability & Mass Torts, Records & E-Discovery, Trials & Arbitrations.

  • Appellate
  • Business & Commercial Disputes
  • Class & Collective Action Litigation
  • Insurance Recovery
  • Intellectual Property
  • International Arbitration
  • Labor, Employment & Benefits
  • Managed Care
  • Product Liability & Mass Torts
  • Records & E-Discovery
  • Trials & Arbitrations

Related insights

Recent articles and podcasts relevant to litigation and disputes, including product liability, contract termination rights, and appellate strategies.

  • EU’s new Product Liability Directive: compliance failures now drive product liability risk – a closer look at the GPSR and AI Act (29 December 2025)
  • The Court of Appeal rules on termination rights under a PPE supply contract (23 December 2025)
  • The Denver Docket: Building a winning appeal, with Jim Martin (17 December 2025)

News

Reed Smith earns top honors in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026.

  • Reed Smith earns top honors in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2026 (16 December 2025)

Resources

Detailed Comparison

Litigation Experience

Global disputes team of 800+ lawyers handling complex, high‑stakes, multi‑jurisdictional matters across antitrust, IP, product liability, class actions, and arbitration. (reedsmith.com) They’ve defended thousands of class actions and won a complete defense verdict for opioid distributors in a three‑month federal trial. (reedsmith.com) Ranked Tier 1 by Legal 500 for product liability defense; recognized for cross‑border disputes. (reedsmith.com)

Integrated Support Services

Integrated support includes: Records & E‑Discovery (60+ attorneys; tech‑first, AI‑enabled discovery and information governance); GravityStack subsidiary delivering data/AI‑driven litigation tech, solutions architects, and project management; and Reed Smith Global Solutions hubs (Pittsburgh/Leeds) providing 24/7 operational support with staff attorneys, e‑discovery lawyers, and centralized docketing. (reedsmith.com)

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Integrates deep FDA/EU and health-care regulatory expertise into disputes: advising on cGMP/GDP compliance, manufacturing and distribution supply-chain logistics, state pharmacy licensing and distribution networks, and postmarket/advertising rules; handles inspections, investigations, and responses to FDA Form 483s and Warning/Untitled Letters; and provides regulatory support in litigation strategy and defense. (reedsmith.com)
quarles.com

Quarles & Brady LLPCompany Information

Industry: Banking & Financial Institutions

Description

Quarles & Brady LLP is a law firm that focuses on providing legal services across various industries and practices. They emphasize shared purpose and strive to deliver results that align with their clients' values.

What They Do

Providing legal services across a wide range of practices and industries.

Who They Serve

Corporations, organizations, and individuals across various sectors.

Key Value Propositions

Dedicated to understanding client needs.
Emphasizes shared purpose.
Wide-ranging expertise across legal areas.

Target Customers

Corporations
Non-profit organizations
Governments
Individuals

Industries Served

Banking & Financial Institutions
Health & Life Sciences
Energy & Infrastructure
Real Estate
Technology Transactions
Labor & Employment
Environmental & Natural Resources

Summary

Quarles’ team delivers end‑to‑end counsel across pharmacy operations, distribution, and compliance. They advise on DEA, DSCSA, licensing and defend clients before state boards and in court.

Key Features

  • Extensive practice areas covering business law, litigation, regulatory compliance, and industry-specific legal needs
  • Specialized teams for sectors such as health & life sciences, real estate, intellectual property, labor & employment, and more
  • Sub-practices and niche offerings within each major practice area
  • Geographically distributed offices for regional and national coverage

Who Is It For

  • Businesses and corporations
  • Financial institutions
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Educational and research institutions
  • Real estate developers and investors
  • Employers and HR professionals
  • Franchise and distribution companies
  • Individuals seeking estate, trust, and wealth preservation services
  • Organizations in regulated industries (e.g., energy, environment, life sciences)
  • Clients requiring litigation and dispute resolution

Resources

Supporting Resources

Detailed Comparison

Litigation Experience

Trial-tested nationwide: Quarles has tried cases to verdict in 45 states and handled litigation matters in every state across product liability, IP, labor & employment, commercial and toxic tort. (quarles.com) Recognitions include BTI’s “Most Feared in Litigation” (Awesome Opponents 2025) and National Tier 1 Commercial Litigation in Best Law Firms 2026. (quarles.com)

Integrated Support Services

Integrated support includes a Legal Operations & Innovation team for pricing, matter budgeting, dashboards, workflow automation and data analytics, working with client legal ops. (quarles.com) Health/life sciences clients get nationwide licensing/board representation and regulatory tracking. (quarles.com) Ongoing education through webinars with CLE. (quarles.com) Cross-practice collaboration provides 360° compliance and enforcement defense. (quarles.com)

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Pharmacy-focused regulatory counsel: advises on DEA compliance, DSCSA, FDA issues, HIPAA/privacy; manages licensing, audits, and regulatory inquiries; represents clients before all 50 state boards; supports 340B, Medicare/Medicaid, and distribution compliance, leveraging pharmacist-lawyers and longstanding regulator relationships. (quarles.com)
3Holland & Knight LLP logo
Holland & Knight LLP
hklaw.com

Holland & Knight LLPCompany Information

Industry: Corporate

Description

Holland & Knight is a prominent law firm with approximately 2,200 attorneys practicing in over 250 areas of law. The firm services a diverse client base in various industries by providing comprehensive legal representation.

What They Do

Provide legal services in various practice areas including mergers and acquisitions, healthcare, real estate, and more.

Who They Serve

Businesses, governmental bodies, and individuals requiring legal expertise.

Key Value Propositions

Global reach with 35 offices worldwide
Recognition in over 250 practice areas
Commitment to pro bono services

Target Customers

Businesses
Government entities
Private individuals

Industries Served

Corporate
Energy
Healthcare
Real Estate
Transportation
Technology

Summary

Holland & Knight’s Pharmacy Team supports pharmacies, PBMs, wholesalers and distributors with licensing, permitting, transactions and regulatory matters. The group helps sequence filings to avoid operational disruption and tracks sector changes impacting distribution models.

Key Features

  • Extensive list of specialized legal practice areas
  • Industry-focused teams for tailored legal counsel
  • Support for matters of every size and complexity
  • Coverage of both domestic and international legal issues
  • Featured teams for emerging and regulated industries

Who Is It For

  • Businesses and organizations across all industries
  • Financial institutions
  • Insurance companies
  • Healthcare providers
  • Technology companies
  • Real estate and hospitality businesses
  • Private individuals and family offices
  • International and domestic clients
  • Government entities

Resources

Detailed Comparison

Litigation Experience

Operates one of the largest litigation practices in the U.S. and Latin America, covering federal/state trials and appeals, arbitration/ADR, and tech-enabled e-discovery management. (hklaw.com) In healthcare/pharmacy, litigators handle PBM disputes, licensing challenges, regulatory violations, reimbursement disputes, professional liability claims, and False Claims Act defense. (hklaw.com)

Integrated Support Services

Integrated Support Services: Clear Diligence provides due diligence, VDR support, project management, and contract review/abstraction. (hklaw.com) An investigative unit and outside specialists deliver comprehensive litigation support. (hklaw.com) A centralized Operations Center provides research/library, IT and information governance to lawyers and clients. (hklaw.com) Services are delivered via integrated, multidisciplinary teams across practices. (hklaw.com)

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Comprehensive pharmacy regulatory counsel: federal/state/local compliance (DEA, HIPAA, Medicare/Medicaid, Anti‑Kickback, Stark), licensing and permitting with sequenced filings, PBM regulatory guidance, compliance programs and internal audits, and representation in Board of Pharmacy/DEA/DOJ/HHS OCR investigations and False Claims Act matters to minimize disruption and risk. (hklaw.com)
4Epstein Becker Green (EBG) logo
Epstein Becker Green (EBG)

National Health Care and Life Sciences Industry Consulting Services (via EBGA Advisors)

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ebglaw.com

Epstein Becker Green (EBG)Company Information

Industry: Financial Services

Description

Epstein Becker & Green, P.C. provides legal services with a focus on workforce management, health care, life sciences, and powerful litigation and transactional strategies, aiming to deliver complete client solutions.

What They Do

Legal services, focusing on workforce management, health care, life sciences, litigation, and transactional strategies.

Who They Serve

Employers, health care organizations, life sciences companies, and various industries.

Key Value Propositions

Focused excellence in health care and workforce management
Client-centric solutions
Diverse practice areas including litigation and transactional services

Target Customers

Health care organizations
Employers
Life sciences companies

Industries Served

Financial Services
Health Care
Hospitality
Life Sciences
Retail
Technology

Summary

EBG’s distribution practice represents manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and 3PLs. The team advises on FDA/DEA compliance and state licensing, and supports M&A and operational changes without disrupting distribution.

Key Features

  • Consulting services for health care and life sciences sectors
  • Integration with legal expertise from Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.
  • Support for regulatory compliance, business strategy, and operational challenges
  • Project-based solutions, including integrated delivery system design

Key Benefits

  • Expert guidance through complex and evolving regulatory environments
  • Access to a network of legal, consulting, and policy professionals
  • End-to-end expertise tailored to business needs
  • Collaboration with a team experienced in addressing a wide range of industry challenges

Who Is It For

  • Health care industry constituents
  • Life sciences industry constituents
  • Organizations facing regulatory and business challenges in health care or life sciences

Use Cases

  • Navigating regulatory changes in health care and life sciences
  • Developing integrated delivery systems for dual eligibles
  • Responding to agency requests for information on market consolidation
  • Crisis communications and compliance audits

Chances Are, We’ve Faced Your Challenge Before

Our professionals collaborate with health care and life sciences industry constituents to navigate a constantly changing regulatory and business landscape.

Hear From Our Advisors

Podcasts and videos featuring EBG Advisors' experts discussing business needs and the value of their legal, consulting, and policy network.

  • End-to-End Expertise: Understanding Business Needs
  • Our Network: Legal, Consulting, and Policy

Project Highlight

Integrated Delivery System for Dual Eligibles: The project concluded with a hybrid model for duals (ACOs in high-density areas, managed fee-for-service elsewhere) and tentative agreement with CMS on a waiver pathway.

  • Hybrid model for dual eligibles
  • ACO and managed fee-for-service approaches
  • CMS waiver pathway

Resources

Supporting Resources

Detailed Comparison

Litigation Experience

EBG brings substantial litigation depth supporting EBGA’s consulting: seasoned trial lawyers defend life sciences and health care clients in federal and state courts; handle government investigations, enforcement actions, FCA/qui tam, criminal and civil cases; and manage class actions and product liability (drug/device) matters, with experience before administrative and private tribunals. (ebglaw.com)

Integrated Support Services

Integrated support services: EBG Advisors integrates consulting, legal (Epstein Becker Green), and policy advocacy (National Health Advisors) to deliver a one‑stop, end‑to‑end service, from strategy and regulatory compliance to implementation, including projects like an Integrated Delivery System for Dual Eligibles. (ebgadvisors.com)

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Advises manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and 3PLs on FDA/DEA compliance, DSCSA requirements, drug importation, and state‑by‑state licensing; conducts regulatory due diligence, audits, and post‑closing guidance in M&A; and supports responses to inspections, investigations, and enforcement. (ebglaw.com) Integrated with EBG Advisors, providing non‑lawyer regulatory experts alongside attorneys for practical implementation. (ebglaw.com)
5Frier Levitt, LLC logo
Frier Levitt, LLC

Life Sciences & Pharmacy Legal Services

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frierlevitt.com

Frier Levitt, LLCCompany Information

Industry: Healthcare
API: No

Description

Frier Levitt specializes in helping the healthcare and life sciences industries navigate legal challenges. The firm emphasizes a client-focused approach with a deep understanding of federal and state healthcare laws and regulations.

What They Do

Provide legal services focused on healthcare and life sciences.

Who They Serve

Healthcare providers, pharmacies, life sciences companies, and other related entities.

Key Value Propositions

Expertise in healthcare and life sciences law
Experienced attorneys with industry-specific knowledge
Wide range of legal services tailored to client needs

Target Customers

Healthcare providers
Pharmacies
Start-up healthcare and life sciences companies

Industries Served

Healthcare
Life Sciences
Pharmacy

Contact Information

Summary

Frier Levitt’s boutique team offers tailored regulatory and compliance counsel for pharmaceutical wholesalers and distributors nationwide. They help navigate DEA rules, state pharmacy acts, fraud‑and‑abuse laws, and licensing obligations.

Key Features

  • Regulatory compliance guidance for pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.
  • Assistance with pharmacy transactions, including change of ownership and PBM contract conveyance.
  • Document analysis for audits, operating procedures, PBM contracts, and reimbursement trends.
  • Representation in intra-corporate disputes, restrictive covenant litigation, False Claims Act investigations, Qui Tam, self-disclosure, investigative subpoenas, and healthcare fraud investigations.
  • Handling of complex class actions in healthcare and life sciences, including against publicly traded companies.
  • Defense in civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions at both federal and state levels.
  • Negotiation and resolution of self-disclosure settlements with the Office of the Inspector General and False Claims Act matters.
  • Litigation strategies crafted in consultation with clinician and regulatory attorneys.

Key Benefits

  • Access to attorneys with clinical and industry backgrounds, including pharmacists.
  • Comprehensive legal advice balancing regulatory compliance and payor requirements.
  • Strong relationships with key decision-makers at pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs).
  • Forward-thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches tailored to healthcare and life sciences.
  • Decades of experience negotiating complex legal and regulatory landscapes.
  • Representation in high-stakes litigation, investigations, and regulatory matters.

Who Is It For

  • Pharmacies (community, retail, chain, supermarket, compounding, specialty, long-term care, fertility, home infusion, outsourcing facilities)
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturers and wholesalers
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Plan sponsors and employer pharmacy benefit plans
  • Pharmacy Services Administrative Organizations (PSAOs)
  • Integrated Delivery Networks
  • Dispensing physician practices and physicians
  • Start-up healthcare and life sciences companies
  • State and national pharmacy associations
  • Veterinary compounders
  • Urologists

What Makes Us Unique

Clinician attorneys are part of the unique fabric of our Firm and we frequently utilize their collective wisdom. We have a number of attorneys who are pharmacists and those that have served the profession as podiatrists, hospital administrators, clinicians and medical billing coders. Through our experience in representing thousands of pharmacies across the country, we have developed strong relationships with key decision-makers at each pharmacy benefits manager, as well as a keen understanding of the dynamic trends and legal issues impacting pharmacies. Pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies are among the most regulated entities in the country. These entities need experienced and knowledgeable legal counsel to successfully navigate through the veritable labyrinth of State and Federal laws and regulations. Because of our collective background and experience, Frier Levitt is uniquely positioned to provide complete and comprehensive advice, balancing regulatory compliance with payor requirements and considerations. In addition, our team culture cultivates forward thinking, problem solving and innovation in the healthcare and life science industries.

Helping Pharmacy and Life Science Clients Across the Country

Frier Levitt’s attorneys have decades of experience negotiating the complicated landscape, with an eye towards providing our clients with advice and counsel that assists them in developing programs and arrangements that comport with all applicable laws. Frier Levitt attorneys are licensed in a number of states. In addition to New Jersey, the firm has attorneys licensed in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Florida, Texas, Arizona, California, Massachusetts and Missouri. Our attorneys are also admitted in multiple federal courts throughout the country.

Life Sciences Matters

Pharmacy transaction involve unique issues that require industry expertise and experience, due in great measure to the unique change of ownership laws in most states and the varied reporting requirements of the PBMs. We are well versed in assuring proper conveyance of licenses and PBM contracts.  Further, we utilize our industry knowledge to analyze every document relative to a transaction, including audits, operating procedures, PBM contracts, and therapeutic class-specific trends in auditing and reimbursement. We also represent numerous clients in intra-corporate disputes, restrictive covenant litigation, False Claims Act investigations, Qui Tam, Self-Disclosure, investigative subpoenas, healthcare fraud investigations and various other high stakes matters. We have handled complex class actions in the healthcare and life sciences spaces, including ones against publicly traded companies. Our trial lawyers frequently consult with both our clinician attorneys and regulatory attorneys in crafting litigation strategies. In addition to providing prospective regulatory guidance, Frier Levitt defends civil and criminal investigations and prosecutions at both the federal and state level. Frier Levitt has achieved dozens of successful outcomes for our clients, in both the investigatory and litigation stages, including many complex self-disclosure settlements with the Office of the Inspector General and False Claim Act resolutions. We aggressively defend with the goal of bringing about a favorable “global resolution’ at the earliest stage possible, one that addresses not only the underlying matter but also the potential collateral consequences to a professional license and career.

Resources

Supporting Resources

Detailed Comparison

Litigation Experience

Represents clients in PBM disputes/arbitrations, network terminations, restrictive covenant suits; defends FCA/qui tam, healthcare fraud, and investigative subpoena matters; handles complex class actions and white‑collar defense. Track record includes reversing PBM audits/terminations and obtaining a $6.25M plan‑sponsor settlement. (frierlevitt.com)

Integrated Support Services

Integrated support includes in-house counsel staffing for discrete, high-volume projects, provided on-site or off-site, short- or long-term, managed by senior attorneys. (frierlevitt.com) It also serves as outside compliance counsel delivering policy and procedure and corrective action plan development, compliance audits, staff training, and ongoing client education via webinars. (frierlevitt.com)

Regulatory Compliance Expertise

Provides nationwide regulatory counsel on DEA and controlled-substance rules, State Pharmacy Practice Acts, AKS/Stark/FCA, HIPAA/CLIA/EKRA; licensing and Board of Pharmacy inspections. (frierlevitt.com) Offers FDA compliance (drugs/devices), labeling, CGMP and warning-letter responses; PBM audit readiness/defense; and 340B compliance. (frierlevitt.com)

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Our Ranking Methodology

How we rank these offerings

We ranked these Pharmacy Wholesale Liability Firms in USA using a weighted scoring formula: Regulatory Compliance Expertise (40%), Litigation Experience (35%), Integrated Support Services (25%). N/A values receive 0 points. Litigation & Disputes Legal Services scored highest with 94 due to exceptional regulatory, litigation, and fully integrated support depth. Companies with N/A values had reduced maximum scores.

Ranking Criteria Weights:

40%
Compliance with regulations is critical in the pharmaceutical industry to avoid costly legal repercussions and ensure operational viability.
35%
Having a firm with strong litigation experience can significantly impact a wholesaler's ability to mitigate risks associated with legal disputes.
25%
Robust support services are essential for wholesalers to efficiently manage compliance and operational tasks without disruption.
Rankings last updated: 1/2/2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical costs and pricing models for pharmacy wholesale liability legal services in the USA?
Legal services for pharmacy wholesale liability often operate on either an hourly billing model or a flat fee for certain cases. Firms like Reed Smith and Frier Levitt typically provide customized pricing according to the complexity and stakes involved in litigation or regulatory compliance matters. The fluctuation in costs can also be attributed to the extensive regulatory landscapes navigated by firms such as Quarles, which advise on DEA, DSCSA, and licensing requirements. Companies may also adopt alternative billing arrangements where feasible, particularly in ongoing advisory roles.
What key selection criteria should be considered when choosing a legal firm for pharmacy wholesale liability issues?
When selecting a legal firm, consider their expertise in handling high-stakes litigation and regulatory advising, as seen with Reed Smith and Holland & Knight. Evaluate their track record in navigating regulatory complexities associated with distribution networks, such as those handled by Frier Levitt and EBG Advisors. Ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of state and federal compliance, exemplified by Quarles' proficiency in DEA and state board defenses, as well as their capacity to adapt to regulatory changes affecting distribution models.
What are the industry standards and compliance requirements for pharmacy wholesale distributors?
Pharmacy wholesale distributors must adhere to numerous compliance mandates including DEA regulations, DSCSA requirements, and various state licensing laws. Legal teams like Quarles and EBG Advisors provide critical support in aligning operations with these standards. Due to the dynamic nature of healthcare regulations, compliance is a continuous process, necessitating regular updates and reviews to maintain operational integrity, a service well-covered by firms like Holland & Knight, which focus on sequence filings to avoid disruption.
What are common implementation challenges and solutions associated with pharmacy wholesale liability?
Common challenges include maintaining continuous compliance with ever-evolving regulations and managing the complexities of distribution networks. Effective solutions involve partnering with firms like Frier Levitt, which specialize in tailored regulatory advice, and utilizing comprehensive legal strategies as advised by Reed Smith to navigate litigation risks. EBG Advisors' role in supporting operational changes without disrupting distribution highlights the importance of integrating legal counsel with strategic business maneuvers.
How do legal services deliver ROI and value in pharmacy wholesale liability?
Legal services provide ROI by mitigating risks associated with regulatory non-compliance and litigation, thereby protecting businesses from potentially catastrophic financial losses. Firms like Reed Smith deliver value by defending against high-stakes litigation and advising on efficient distribution networks, while Holland & Knight ensure seamless operation through proactive regulation tracking. Quarles' end-to-end counsel ensures operational compliance, ultimately contributing to financial stability and business continuity.

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