Nelson Hardiman LLP announced today that it has opened an office in Chicago with the addition of Alex R. Thiersch, the founder and director of the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa). Thiersch, who is a well-known regulatory attorney for the healthcare industry, joins the firm as Of Counsel. “There are a number of natural synergies between Nelson Hardiman and Alex’s practice and background in the Med Spa industry,” said Harry Nelson, co-founder and managing partner of Nelson Hardiman. “We see an increasing alignment of the issues facing the ever-growing aesthetic medicine industry with those facing other consumer-focused healthcare practices. Our primary goal is to ensure that we are well positioned to serve and support the needs of our clients.” Thiersch, who started the American Med Spa Association in 2013, believes Nelson Hardiman’s expansion to Chicago reflects its continued commitment to the rapidly growing aesthetic medicine industry and the increasing challenge of navigating the different regulatory landscapes across the U.S. “The healthcare community recognizes that the Med Spa industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the sector with robust expansion in markets all over the United States,” said Thiersch. “As with any new industry niche, it needs tremendous legal and regulatory guidance due to the continual changing federal regulations along with the differing regulations for practices in each state.” Thiersch, who has extensive experience representing healthcare industry professionals before the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, is a frequent lecturer for nurses, estheticians, PAs and physicians throughout the country on med spa industry issues.  The firm will continue to expand its representation of medical spas along with plastic surgeons, surgery centers, cosmetic device manufacturers, and other companies within the healthcare industry nationally.   Thiersch received his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law in 2001 and his B.A. from University of Iowa in 1997. He is admitted to practice in the State of Illinois and before the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Illinois. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, and the Chicago Bar Association. Nelson Hardiman serves a national clientele of healthcare companies and investors, including hospitals, behavioral health and post-acute care providers, and other businesses affected by state and federal healthcare regulations. Founded in 2004, the firm represents clients in healthcare litigation and transactions, and advises on licensing, operations, and reimbursement compliance. UPCOMING TRAINING SEMINAR: Executive-level training (2-day) – How to Successfully Open a Medical Spa or Provide Medical Aesthetic Services in Your Practice