Biography
Robert Estep is an associate in the firm’s Corporate Services practice group, where he advises clients on corporate law and regulatory compliance, primarily in the health care and life sciences industries. In his practice, he counsels clients in response to challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving U.S. health care system, from mergers and acquisitions to white-collar criminal defense and government investigations.
As the former Director and Chief Counsel of Missouri’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Robert has significant experience leading criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions involving health care providers, including physicians, dentists, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies, and personal care and home health providers.
His deep understanding of health care investigations and prosecution enables Robert to provide a unique perspective on everything from compliance and regulatory standards to operational and management issues.
Background
Prior to joining the firm, Robert served as Director and Chief Counsel of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. In his role as the state’s top health law prosecutor, he led prosecutions against health care providers for fraud, patient abuse and financial exploitation. Robert handled criminal and civil investigations and litigation involving violations of the state and federal False Claims Acts, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Stark Law.
In addition to his criminal experience, Robert litigated regulatory matters on behalf of the Missouri Medicaid Audit and Compliance Unit (MMAC). At the Administrative Hearing Commission and in Missouri Circuit Courts, he defended MMAC’s sanctions against MO HealthNet providers including hospices, hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, dentists, physicians and psychiatrists,
During law school, Robert served as a legal intern for the U.S. Department of Justice in the Antitrust Division, where he assisted in investigations of health care antitrust issues.
Education
- Saint Louis University School of Law (J.D., 2015)
- Health Law Certificate
- Academic Excellence Award for Highest Grade in Administrative Law
- SLU Health Law Semester in D.C. Program
- UM Carey School of Law Health Law Regulatory and Compliance Competition
- Susquehanna University (B.A., 2011)
- Political Science
- Hobart and William Smith Colleges (2009)
- Biology
Admissions
Professional Activities
- American Health Lawyers Association
- St. Louis Health Lawyers Association
Charitable and Civic Involvement
- Motion for Kids
- BAMSL Missouri High School Mock Trial Competition
- Veterans Affairs Stand Downs
