Alumni Spotlight: Ellen Janos

For nearly four decades, Ellen Janos has been at the forefront of health law, shaping the field through her work in government, at Mintz, and in digital health innovation. From her early days as an assistant attorney general to founding Mintz’s Digital Health practice, Ellen has navigated the evolving health care landscape with insight and dedication. In this Alumni Spotlight, she reflects on her career journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the advice she has for the next generation of health law attorneys.

What initially drew you to the field of health law, and how did your practice evolve over the years?

I was drawn to the field of health law very early on in my career. My first position as an assistant attorney general in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office was in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, where I investigated and prosecuted physicians, nursing homes, and other health care providers for various types of fraud. These cases required a deep understanding of the federal and state laws governing Medicaid reimbursement. Later on, in my 12-year tenure as an assistant attorney general, I represented state agencies in litigation matters and especially enjoyed working with those agencies that oversaw the licensing and regulation of health care providers.

During my 34 years in Mintz’s Health Law practice, the health care delivery system underwent transformational changes, and my practice evolved with those changes.

As the founding member of Mintz’s Digital Health practice, what were some of the biggest challenges and successes you faced in establishing and growing the practice?

State laws and regulations governing the delivery of health care did not keep pace with the advancements in technology that fueled the growth of digital health. In that environment, advising pioneer telemedicine companies was very challenging, but at the same time, immensely rewarding. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about much-needed changes in the law and a recognition that digital health is an important and well-accepted part of the health care delivery system. I’m very proud of the work that the Mintz Digital Health team did for early-stage clients, such as FOLX Health and InStride Health. These companies now provide needed specialized digital health care to patients across the country.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career? Is there a particular matter or milestone that stands out as especially meaningful?

As a very junior attorney in the Massachusetts AG’s Office, I handled two matters for state agencies that ended up at the US Supreme Court. I tried both cases in the federal district court, handled the appeals to the First Circuit, and ultimately successfully argued both (only four months apart) in the Supreme Court. The prospect of arguing at the Supreme Court was incredibly daunting, especially for a young lawyer.

I was only able to meet this challenge with exhaustive preparation and the mentoring and support of my senior colleagues. One of the most rewarding aspects in the later part of my career has been the mentoring and support that I provided to young Health Law Associates in the early stages of their careers.

Have there been any mentors or influential figures in your career who have significantly impacted your professional journey? How did they influence you?

My early mentor was the late former Massachusetts Attorney General Francis X. Bellotti. Frank set a standard of excellence for every attorney in the office. He taught us that preparation was the key to success. In the late 1970s, when women lawyers faced many challenges in the workplace, Frank supported, promoted, and mentored women and provided us with opportunities that would not have been available in private practice.

My mentor at Mintz was Steve Weiner, one of the founders of the Mintz Health Law practice. Steve was a brilliant attorney, skilled negotiator, master of statutory construction, and collaborative colleague. He guided me through the most complicated of legal problems facing our health care clients, showed me what true client service really means, and finally, that a successful legal career can coexist with a fulfilling personal life. 

What advice would you offer to young health law attorneys who are just starting out?

Health law has many subspecialities which makes it easy for young health law attorneys to develop areas of expertise at an early stage of their career. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Above all, work hard, focus on client service, and be kind and respectful to your colleagues, adversaries, and yourself.