Gary S. Qualls, Attorney at Law

Healthcare Law  ·  Appellate Litigation  ·  Arbitration

Gary S. Qualls

Attorney at Law

Decades of nationally recognized counsel in healthcare law, FDA matters, and complex commercial disputes. Band 1, Chambers USA. Trusted by hospital systems, healthcare providers, and life sciences companies across North Carolina and beyond.

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Counsel of Distinction

Gary S. Qualls brings more than three decades of focused experience representing healthcare providers, institutions, and life sciences companies in their most consequential legal matters. His practice spans the full spectrum of healthcare law — from regulatory counsel and FDA compliance to high-stakes litigation, payor-provider disputes, and international arbitration.

A former partner at K&L Gates, Gary earned a national reputation as one of North Carolina's preeminent healthcare attorneys. He has been recognized by Chambers USA at Band 1 — the highest ranking — every year from 2014 through 2025, and has appeared in Best Lawyers in America for Health Care Law continuously since 2003. Clients and peers alike describe him as a trusted counselor who combines rigorous legal strategy with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry.

Now in independent practice, Gary offers clients direct access to senior-level expertise without the overhead of a large firm — bringing the same caliber of counsel with a more personal, responsive approach. He is also a seasoned arbitrator and mediator, serving on the AAA and AHLA dispute resolution rosters.

Education

Duke University School of Law
J.D., 1989 — Womble Scholarship Recipient
University of North Carolina at Asheville
B.S., 1986 — Magna Cum Laude
Mortimer Kahn & Mills Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Bar Admissions

State of North Carolina
 
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit
 
U.S. District Courts
Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of North Carolina

Areas of Practice

Healthcare & FDA

Comprehensive regulatory counsel for hospital systems, nursing facilities, dialysis providers, and physician groups. Licensing, HIPAA compliance, and FDA matters handled at the highest level.

Appellate Litigation

Experienced appellate advocate before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and North Carolina state appellate courts. Sophisticated briefing and oral argument in complex matters.

Commercial Disputes

Strategic counsel in complex commercial litigation involving contractual disputes, business torts, and healthcare industry conflicts. Skilled in both trial and alternative dispute resolution.

Healthcare Payor-Provider Disputes

Representation of providers in disputes with insurers and payors over reimbursement, coverage determinations, and contract enforcement. Experienced in both negotiation and formal proceedings.

International Arbitration

Arbitration and mediation of cross-border healthcare and commercial disputes. Roster member of the AAA and AHLA dispute resolution services, serving as both advocate and neutral.

A Record of Excellence

Chambers USA
Band 1 — Healthcare

North Carolina, 2014–2025

Best Lawyers
in America®

Health Care Law, 2003–Present

Lawyer of the Year

2015

The Legal 500 US
Recommended Lawyer

Healthcare, 2024–2025

North Carolina
Super Lawyers

2007–2019

Professional Leadership

  • Chair, American Health Law Association Dispute Resolution Service Council
  • Past President, North Carolina Society of Health Care Attorneys
  • Roster Member, AAA and AHLA Arbitration & Mediation Services

Start the Conversation

Available for consultation on healthcare regulatory matters, complex litigation, payor-provider disputes, and arbitration. Please describe your matter briefly and Mr. Qualls will respond promptly.