Celeste P. Lira

Celeste has been defending Texas physicians and their practice groups for 25 years in the area of medical malpractice litigation. Experienced in counseling doctors and other licensed providers on their health law questions, she is frequently asked to address physician employment contract preparation and review, formation of Texas corporations, Stark law, privacy issues and Peer review matters.
In addition, Celeste has effectively represented physicians before the OIG on Medicaid Fraud allegations as well as handling complex Medicare and Insurance Audits with appeals. Ms. Lira has recently expanded her practice to include consultant work with physicians involved in the development of an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) to assist them with meeting the challenge of integrated care while complying with ACO laws and rules.
Ms. Lira has successfully presented physicians before the Texas Medical Board and other licensed health care providers before their respective licensure board. In addition, Celeste handles EEOC and TWC hearings for healthcare practices in South Texas.
Celeste’s pre-law background as a registered nurse and Health Care Administrator allows her to apply a business understanding to Healthcare Law. In the past she has served as a practice manager and assisted in the upstart of multiple physician offices. She enjoys public speaking and has been a guest speaker at local, state and national conferences including the Defense Research Institute (DRI), presentations for the Texas Department of Health and Texas Medical Association.
Celeste was previously licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the states of Ohio and Texas. She has represented nurses and nurse practitioners before the Licensing Board and been a guest speaker at the Texas Nurse Association.
She is admitted to the State Bar of Texas and is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Celeste earned a J.D. from St. Mary’s University, School of Law in 1990.