(Washington, DC, August 11, 2005) – Julia Krebs-Markrich of Reed Smith LLP, has been named Outstanding Hospital Lawyer by Nightingale's Healthcare News, one of the nation’s top healthcare news publications.  Julia is one of only 10 lawyers selected from the nation’s largest healthcare law practices.

“We are very proud of Julia's recognition. Her diligence and expertise is an essential asset to Reed Smith, allowing the firm to continually stand out in the crowded and competitive field that is health care law,” said Carol Loepere, head of Reed Smith’s health care practice group.

Julia devotes her practice exclusively to health regulatory law focusing on Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement and compliance, physician representation, hospital operational matters, and long-term care.  Her areas of experience include: provider contracts with managed care entities; contracts between hospitals and physicians; peer review issues; patient care issues and hospital governance.

She is author of numerous articles and a frequent speaker before national audiences on these and other health law topics. Julia is a past chair of the Health Law Section of the Virginia State Bar and served on the Board of Directors of the approximately 8,000-member National Health Lawyers Association.

Nightingale's Healthcare News, a bi-monthly newsletter based in Frederick, Maryland, covers the business of healthcare and the professionals who serve the healthcare industry.

About Reed Smith

Reed Smith LLP, a top-25 international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout the United States and Europe, represents Fortune 100 as well as mid-market and emerging companies. Clients include financial services firms, life sciences companies, health care providers, technology companies and entrepreneurs, power generators and suppliers, manufacturers, universities, non-profit organizations, real estate developers, and municipalities throughout the United States and in 40 countries. For more information, visit www.reedsmith.com.