D. Wade Emmert
Main image for D. Wade Emmert

D. Wade Emmert

Health care issues present themselves uniquely with each matter, and I enjoy the resulting intellectual challenges. But the personal aspect of my practice is even more rewarding. Clients regularly come to me not knowing what to do; they may be facing serious allegations, fines, and potentially even jail time. I get to guide them through what is arguably one of the most turbulent times of their lives, and that is a privilege and responsibility that I never take lightly.

Wade Emmert represents practitioners, health care systems, and facilities of all sizes, in outcome-critical litigation and complex regulatory and compliance matters. Board certified in Health Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, he has significant experience in licensing-board representation and defense for doctors, nurses, and chiropractors, as well as in white collar and False Claims Act litigation. He counsels clients on other federal and state regulatory compliance issues (Stark, Antikickback, HIPAA) and assists them with all transactional aspects of creating and selling multidisciplinary medical practices.

Wade’s health law certification evidences his broad range of competency in health care matters—buying and selling healthcare entities, federal regulatory matters, non-profit healthcare structures, and health care regulations and patients’ rights. With more than 90,000 lawyers in Texas, less than 100 have earned this certification.

A savvy advocate, Wade is also skilled at helping others find common ground and reach a reasonable accord. Possessing a genuine curiosity about his field, Wade is always reading and learning more, developing a latticework of knowledge across the many facets of health care. “I am always prepared to leverage what I’ve learned for a client’s benefit,” he explains.

Before Carrington, Wade was effective in medical malpractice defense, representing medical professionals and hospitals. As part of his current wide-ranging health care practice, he has developed word-of-mouth driven sub-niches in the representation of both chiropractors and “med spas” across the state.

I am always prepared to leverage what I’ve learned for a client’s benefit.

D. Wade Emmert

Significant Matters

  • In re Lenny Lopez, ___ S.W.3d ___, 2018 Tex. App. LEXIS 1023 (Tex. App. – Tyler 2018)
  • In re Kristi Pena, 2017 Tex. App. LEXIS 1843 (Tex. App. – Dallas 2016) [Unpublished]
  • Barko v. Genzel, 123 S.W.3d 457 (Tex. App. – Eastland 2003, no writ)
  • Rice v. Pinney, 51 S.W.3d 705 (Tex. App. – Dallas 2001, no writ)

Areas of Focus

Education

Education

  • Baylor Law School (J.D., 1995)
    • Mock Trial Team
    • Order of Barristers
  • Abilene Christian University (B.A., Business and International Studies, magna cum laude, 1992)

Admissions

Bar Admissions
  • Texas
Court Admissions
  • United States Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, Northern District, Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Southern District, Texas
  • U.S. District Court, Western District, Texas
  • State Courts
  • Court of Appeals
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Northern District, Texas
  • Supreme Court, Texas
  • Board Certified in Health Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization

Leadership

 

  • Board Certified in Health Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • American Bar Association, Health Law Section
  • Texas Bar Association, Health Law Section
  • Dallas Bar Association, Health Law and Litigation Sections
  • Texas Health Lawyers Association
  • State Bar of Texas
  • Republican Party of Texas, General Counsel, 2019 – 2020
  • Republican Party of Texas, Assistant General Counsel, 2017 – 2019
  • Board of Directors, Institute for Policy Innovations, 2016 – 2020
  • Chairman, Dallas County Republican Party, 2011 – 2016
  • Board of Visitors, UNT | Dallas College of Law, 2014 – 2016
  • Board of Advisors, Methodist Charlton Medical Center, 2010 – 2016
  • Ten Most Influential People in Dallas, 2013
  • Cedar Hill City Council, 2004 – 2010
  • Chairman, Best Southwest Partnership, 2009-2010
  • Board Member, Best Southwest Partnership, 2006-2010
  • Civic Leader of the Year, Cedar Hill Chamber of Commerce, 2003
  • President, Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation, 2003
  • Board Member, Cedar Hill Economic Development Corporation, 2001 – 2003
  • Ten Most Influential People in Dallas, Yahoo News, 2013
  • Member of Mensa, 2004 – present

Recognition

  • 2019 Board Certification in Health Law, Texas Board of Legal Specialization
  • 2018-2019 America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 1%
  • 2017-2019 Client Champion Gold
  • 2016-2019 AV Preeminent Attorney
  • 2019 AV Preeminent – Lawyers.com
  • 2018 PRR AV Preeminent – Lawyers.com
  • 2017 America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 5%
  • 2016 America’s Most Honored Professionals – Top 10%
  • 2015 BV Distinguished Icon
  • 2014-2015 BV Distinguished Attorney
  • Named to the Texas Super Lawyers list, as published in Texas Monthly magazine, 2003-2004, 2023 Thomson Reuters

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Outside of Work

I am very much a “process person,” and can be counted on to put in the work, follow through, and finish. Perhaps that’s why I enjoy endurance sports like triathlons and marathons. I have completed two Ironman 70.3s and several marathons. I enjoy endurance activities because they require a consistent commitment to get better—you can’t simply show up to a race unprepared and expect to do well. I’m inspired by a quote by the great wide receiver Jerry Rice, “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I will do what others can’t.” Many of the opportunities and accomplishments in my life have been the direct result of steadily putting in the work. I find there is a certain karma that comes from such consistency. A commitment to consistent improvement drives me personally and professionally.