Caroline Zielinski is an Associate in the firm’s Litigation department.  Her practice focuses on commercial litigation and government and internal investigations. Ms. Zielinski has experience advising healthcare clients on compliance with federal law, including the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute, as well as the statutory and regulatory schemes governing the healthcare industry more broadly. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Zielinski served as a law clerk to the Hon. Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.  Previously, Ms. Zielinski practiced law in the New York office of an international law firm.

  • Defending pharmaceutical company in government investigation regarding allegations of potential violations of the False Claims Act and the Anti-Kickback Statute.
  • Conducting internal investigations in collaboration with pharmaceutical company relating to potential legal risk areas associated with various promotional and educational activities.
  • Representing educational institution facing civil rights claims, including alleged violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
  • Representing law firm facing claim for tortious interference with contract, arising from representation of client in underlying attorney’s fee dispute.
  • Represented healthcare client as plaintiff asserting claims for tortious interference with contract and deceptive trade practices, arising out of alleged misappropriation of patient assistance funds.
  • Represented educational institution in connection with federal investigation pursuant to Title VI obligations. Counseled client on Title VI compliance, internal policies, and student disciplinary matters.
  • Conducted internal reviews of healthcare clients’ compliance policies and procedures.  Counseled clients on implementing effective compliance programs and best practices, including related to the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute.*
  • Represented healthcare provider in several putative class actions concerning emergency room billing practices.*
  • Represented educational tour company in putative class action concerning contractual obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic.*

Pro Bono

  • Representing an Army veteran in connection with an application for a discharge upgrade.
  • Conducted sensitive internal investigation concerning allegations of religious discrimination.  Counseled client on implementing internal policies and best practices to develop culture of equity and inclusion.

Matters denoted with an asterisk were completed prior to joining Patterson Belknap.

  • New York University School of Law (J.D., 2018)
    • Order of the Coif
    • Institute for International Law and Justice Scholar
  • University of Pennsylvania (B.A., summa cum laude, 2015)

  • New York
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of New York