Jahnavi Arun, a second-year student at the University of Houston Law Center, is merging her passion for health care, policy work and the law.
From L to R: Erin Anthony, daughter of the late Michael F. Anthony, with the 2025 Michael F. Anthony Health Law Scholarship recipients Kyle Sadosky, a 3L at SMU Deadman School of Law, and Jahnavi Arun, a 2L at UH Law Center, along with Eric Zimmerman, a partner at McDermott, Will, & Schulte LLP, who helped establish the scholarship in honor of his friend and colleague, at the AHLA Fundamentals of Health Law Conference.
Nov. 13, 2025 – University of Houston Law Center second-year student Jahnavi Arun has been awarded the Michael F. Anthony Health Law Scholarship by the American Health Law Association. The national scholarship recognizes law students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to advancing health law.
“Jahnavi’s application stood out among many qualified candidates, demonstrating not only academic excellence but also a passionate commitment to the field of health law,” shared AHLA Executive Vice President/CEO David S. Cade in his notification email.
For Arun, who entered UHLC with a passion for health care policy, the award marks another step toward her goal of becoming a health care attorney.
“I was pre-med for three years and spent time volunteering at clinics for uninsured patients,” she said. “After seeing how systemic and socioeconomic factors shape health outcomes, I realized I wanted to address those issues from a legal and policy perspective.”
Before law school, Arun served as a staff assistant in the Office of Senator Patty Murray and later worked as a public policy specialist at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld LLP, focusing on health care legislation and client advocacy. Those roles deepened her understanding of how law and policy intersect to impact patient outcomes and access to care.
As part of the award, Arun attended the AHLA Fundamentals of Health Law Conference, held Nov. 2–4 in Chicago, where she connected with attorneys, compliance officers, and policymakers from across the country. The conference features sessions led by industry experts, including representatives from law firms and in-house counsel with valuable government experience, offering students an opportunity to explore emerging trends in healthcare regulation, data privacy, and compliance.
“I first heard about AHLA while working at Akin Gump and immediately became a student member once I began law school last year,” she said. “It feels a bit surreal to be in this position a year later. Attending the conference and learning from some of the best in the field is something I’m very grateful for.”
Now in her second year at UHLC, Arun continues to pursue her interest in health care law through multiple avenues. She serves as the director of communications and membership engagement for the Health Law Organization and is a candidate for the Houston Journal of Health Law and Policy.
She also recently completed a Health Care Legal Fellowship with Polsinelli and Common Spirit Health Foundation. The two-year fellowship allows one student each summer to work both in a major law firm and in-house with their health care clients, offering a unique opportunity to experience the legal landscape from both sides.
Arun said her time at Polsinelli strengthened her interest in regulatory and data privacy law.
“I became fascinated with how laws like the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law affect healthcare operations,” she said. “Understanding those nuances is key to helping health care providers deliver better services while staying compliant.”
She credits her professors and peers at UHLC for helping her navigate the rigorous demands of law school while finding her niche within the health law field.
“I appreciated having Professor Morales for Constitutional Law,” Arun said. “Even though it’s not directly related to health law, he pushed us to think critically and challenge our assumptions, which has helped me analyze issues in health care from a more well-rounded perspective.”
For now, she’s focused on growing in her field and encouraging other students to explore new opportunities no matter how intimidating they might seem.
“There are so many scholarships, internships, and fellowships out there,” Arun said. “Even if you doubt yourself, apply anyway. You never know where it could take you.”
Q&A with Jahnavi Arun
What made you choose UHLC?
JA: I chose UHLC for its reputable health law program and its proximity to the Texas Medical Center. I knew I wanted to be a healthcare attorney and appreciated the variety of health law courses UHLC offered, in addition to opportunities like joining the Houston Journal of Health Law and Policy and extracurriculars like the Health Law Organization. Moreover, being close to the Texas Medical Center has allowed me to explore externship opportunities at hospitals in Houston and government organizations with healthcare divisions!
What is your favorite part about UHLC?
JA: My favorite part about UHLC has been my student mentors. I became connected with them through different student organizations, like APALSA, AWIL, and HLO. Each of them offered helpful and honest advice about classes, job searching, and how to approach law school, especially during 1L. They also connected me with different people and opportunities that allowed me to fully explore my interest in health law, and I hope to pay it forward and do the same for my mentees!
What advice would you give to law students interested in health law?
JA: Get involved early. Join organizations like the Health Law Organization, apply for fellowships, and take health law courses. Even if you don’t have a healthcare background, showing genuine interest and involvement can set you apart.
How do you stay grounded during law school?
JA: My study group has been essential. We met every week during 1L to review topics, discuss hypos, and keep each other accountable. Having that support system makes a huge difference.
What’s next for you?
JA: I’ll be returning as a 2L Health Care Legal Fellow with Polsinelli and CommonSpirit Health Foundation next summer. I’m continuing to explore regulatory and privacy issues while staying engaged in health policy work.
