Spotlight: Satish V. Poondi

Satish V. Poondi is co-chair of the firm’s Health Law & Pharmacy Law Practice Group, and represents independent pharmacies, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, retail chains, wholesalers, hospitals, and compounding pharmacies. As a registered pharmacist, he brings a unique combination of knowledge and experience in law and science to the firm.

Satish recommends that pharmacies conduct a Mock Inspection to prepare for unannounced State Board of Pharmacy inspections because, without preparation, such inspections can disrupt business operations, and in some instances, expose compliance deficiencies that come with increasingly high monetary fines and other penalties.

We invite you to read this Spotlight and learn more about Satish’s approach to client service.

How do you believe your background and experiences outside of law shape the way you practice?

As a pharmacist, I understand the day-to-day realities of the profession. My experience working in independent and chain pharmacies allows me to speak the language. It gives me unique insight as to the challenges pharmacists and pharmacy technicians face, as well as the ability to review a pharmacy’s operations to determine areas that may lead to potential liabilities.

What’s the most fulfilling part of your work, and how does that impact the way you approach each case?

Every day I get to fight for healthcare workers that contribute so much to our communities. For example, pharmacists and their colleagues played an outsized role during the COVID pandemic in making our communities safer. They were on the front lines. I enjoy advocating on their behalf.

Many of my clients are independent pharmacies. These are small business owners, the definition of the little guy, who often have to take on much larger actors such as PBMs. Making sure that the mom-and-pop shops have their rights protected and that they have an equal playing field drives me.

If a client were to work with you on a long-term basis, what would they come to know about you beyond your legal expertise?

Clients often remark on my approachability and ability to explain complex legal and regulatory matters in a clear way. I prioritize building trust and open communication, which fosters long-term collaboration. I focus on practical solutions, helping clients stay compliant and prevent legal pitfalls.