About the Founder and Principal Attorney
Brian A. Smith, JD, MPH brings a rare blend of biomedical research training, policy expertise, and legal practice across several sectors of the U.S. healthcare system. This interdisciplinary background enables him to support his clients with a level of insight that few traditional legal practices can offer.
Clients across the healthcare spectrum —from startups to hospitals to clinicians to patients —trust Brian and Trident Health Law because the guidance comes from someone who has drafted federal regulations, advocated on behalf of patients and clinicians, conducted biomedical research, and litigated at the intersection of law, science, and policy.
Professional Journey
Building Excellence in Health Law & Public Policy
2025
Founded Trident Health Law
Principal Attorney & Founder
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Established specialized health law practice focusing on healthcare, public health, life sciences, and government sectors. Continuing mission to promote public interest while advancing healthcare innovation.
NEW PRACTICE LAUNCH
2023-2025
Presidential Management Fellow
CDC & HHS Office of General Counsel
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Led data policy initiatives and served as counsel on organ allocation litigation. Drafted federal regulations for healthcare data reporting and managed complex administrative law matters involving APA and PRA compliance.
HIGHEST PERFORMANCE RATINGS
2021-2023
Law & Policy Fellow
CDC Division of Overdose Prevention
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Served as the sole actively licensed attorney for 400+ employee division. Provided legal expertise on opioid policy, bankruptcy proceedings, and federal legislation. Authored Congressional testimony and technical assistance for federal lawmakers.
IN-HOUSE LEGAL EXPERT
2021
Licensed Attorney
Illinois State Bar
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Passed Illinois Bar Examination and began practicing law with focus on health law and life sciences.
2018-2021
Juris Doctor (Full Scholarship)
University of Illinois College of Law
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Concentrated in health law and life sciences. Law Review Articles Editor, Health Law Society President, 1st Place ABA Client Counseling Competition. Extensive experience with federal courts and legal scholarship.
MULTIPLE SCHOLARSHIPS & HONORS
2019-2021
Legal Extern & Corporate Counsel
CDC Public Health Law Program & Baxter International
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Led COVID-19 legal response at CDC, mapping all U.S. disease reporting laws. Provided corporate counsel services for Fortune 500 healthcare company on ESRD policies and SEC compliance.
2017-2018
Antibiotic Resistance Project
The Pew Charitable Trusts
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Represented Pew at healthcare conferences and led antibiotic stewardship initiatives across hospital systems, nursing homes, and pharmacy networks. Published research in Pediatrics and Academic Medicine.
2016-2017
Master of Public Health
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Specialized in healthcare systems, health policy, and bioethics. Testified before Maryland Legislature on fentanyl policy. Published FDA transparency research in Journal of Law, Medicine, and Ethics.
BIOETHICS CERTIFICATE
2015-2016
Science Policy Intern
Research!America
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Advocated on Capitol Hill for federal health agencies (NIH, FDA, CDC). Represented organization at White House OSTP, FDA MDUFA meetings, and National Academy of Medicine’s Gene Editing Summit.
2007-2015
Research Foundation
NIH, Amherst College, Vanderbilt University
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Established research career beginning at age 16 with NIH Clinical Neurocardiology Section. Led computational neuroscience projects contributing to U.S. BRAIN Initiative. Published research and received national recognition.
YOUNG RESEARCHER NOMINEE
Brian is an active member of the following professional societies:
