Barbara J. Zabawa, JD MPH
Barbara J. Zabawa, JD is the Founder and President of the Center for Health and Wellness Law, LLC, a law firm dedicated to improving legal access and compliance for the health and wellness industries. She is also lead author of the book Rule the Rules of Workplace Wellness Programs, published by the American Bar Association. She is a frequent writer and speaker on health and wellness law topics, having presented for national organizations such as WELCOA, National Wellness Conference, HPLive, Healthstat University, and HERO. Barbara is also a Clinical Assistant Professor for the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee College of Health Sciences, Department of Health Services Administration where she teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in health law and compliance, U.S. health care delivery, and health professions career development.
Before graduating with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2001, Barbara obtained a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Michigan. Immediately prior to starting her own firm, she was Associate General Counsel and HIPAA Privacy Officer for a large health insurer where she advised on Affordable Care Act matters. She was also a shareholder and Health Law Team Leader at a large Wisconsin law firm.
Barbara serves health and wellness professionals and organizations across the country as an advocate, a transactional lawyer, and a compliance resource. Her commitment to improving health and wellness also shows through her community service. Barbara founded the Wellness Compliance Institute, a nonprofit organization that seeks to improve wellness program and activity compliance. She has started a new podcast called LemonSpark, where she seeks stories that offer hope, inspiration and a sense of belonging for people experiencing trauma. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the National Wellness Institute and Rogers Behavioral Health System. Barbara is licensed to practice law in both Wisconsin and New York.