Jon French has been a trusted legal advisor for over 17 years. He has represented a range of clients from startups to established firms. His experience includes advising clients on business formation, entity structures, governance, intellectual property, insurance coverage, regulatory compliance, and privacy and data security matters. Jon began his legal career as an intern in medical malpractice defense litigation, later becoming an adept trial attorney and litigator. Jon draws on his early litigation experience to help his business clients spot and manage risk, while not letting risk limit opportunities.

Prior to joining Schwabe, Jon worked as Chief Legal Officer for a hospital and healthcare delivery system in the greater Seattle area, where he also served as a member of the organization’s strategic leadership group. He provided trusted legal counsel to the governing board and C-suite, and served as Compliance Officer and HIPAA Privacy Officer. Jon brings real world industry experience to his work on behalf of healthcare clients, including understanding of day-to-day operations, strategic transactions, and the unique challenges of serving patients and communities in a changing, complex, and highly regulated care environment.

A U.S. Navy veteran (having proudly served in the JAG Corps), Jon brings a proactive, practical, and strategic focus to his practice.

Bar Admissions

• Oregon State Courts 
• Washington State Courts 
• U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

Education

• University of Notre Dame, Bachelor of Arts (2000)‎
• Gonzaga University School of Law, Juris Doctor‎ degree (2004)‎
• University of Washington Business School, Master of Business Administration (2018)‎

• Advised on medical staff governance, bylaws, peer review, and credentialing.
• Assisted with resolving major disputes and litigation matters.
• Negotiated and drafted business contracts, practice management agreements, management services agreements, and strategic partnership arrangements.
• Worked with risk management and human resources teams in managing and resolving legal claims and employment matters.
• Advised board and CEO, executive leaders, and medical staff leaders on legal matters.
• Led corporate legal affairs, compliance, and privacy functions for regional healthcare delivery system including a hospital and multi-specialty medical group.
• Developed and implemented, efficient contract negotiation, drafting, and review processes, including a suite of high-quality templates for medical provider employment agreements and vendor agreements.
• Oversaw and assisted in significant transactions, including real estate acquisitions, construction projects, and financing, legal review and regulatory approvals.
• Successfully guided an organization through a significant data breach investigation and notification process.
• Drafted and implemented policies, standards, and procedures for an effective compliance and integrity program.
• Served as a key member of Ethics Committee, Internal Audit Committee, and Compliance Committee.

• Healthcare Employee Data Privacy during the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Fueling Change Innovating for Good