THE FIRM This full-service firm is ideally placed to tackle the legal issues of the gaming-driven Nevada market, with a clientele including Boyd Gaming and MGM Resorts International. The group remains highly visible in a significant number of refinancings and debt offerings and, even in a slow transactional market, the group acted for Global Cash Access on its $15 million acquisition of Western Money Systems, which manufactures and distributes redemption kiosk devices to casinos nationally.
KEY INDIVIDUALS There is widespread support for the "incredibly cordial, professional and knowledgeable" Ellen Schulhofer, who leads the corporate group and brings a wealth of contacts to her practice.
THE FIRM A diverse mix of corporate and real estate work, experienced local lawyers and a high level of talent ensure this regional player rides high in the rankings. As the state seeks to diversify its economy, the team attracts compliments for its clean energy expertise, advising clients such as ElectraTherm.
Sources say: "You always benefit from a high level of attention from the partners. They understand the importance of client service."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Commentators highly rate the multitalented David Garcia, who "quickly identifies obstacles and, equally impressively, finds solutions promptly." Clients add: "He is creative, committed and always delivers" when it comes to corporate, securities and M&A advice. Sharing a similar workload is the highly regarded Fritz Battcher, who counts Harley-Davidson Financial Services and Haws in his client roster.
THE FIRM Interviewees value the range of experience built up by this sizable old-line firm, which impresses with its knowledge of M&A, SEC filings, and foreclosures and workouts on behalf of lenders. The group has 20 attorneys practicing corporate and real estate finance, and recently advised the Molasky Group on a $160 million acquisition and construction financing of several FBI facilities nationally.
Sources say: "Timely, responsive, on the mark and good value for money."
KEY INDIVIDUALS Among the most prominent attorneys in the state is the "highly attentive and extremely bright" Jeff Zucker, who chairs the business law department. Impressed clients say: "He can see the forest and the trees." Reno-based Craig Etem also earns praise from clients and divides his practice between corporate and real estate law.
THE FIRM Having incorporated the corporate and securities team from Kummer Kaempfer Bonner Renshaw & Ferrario, this firm's expanded ten-lawyer Vegas team brings a strong track record in M&A transactions, IPOs and private placements. For example, the team recently carried out a private placement for a client developing and constructing a high-end nightclub on the Las Vegas Strip. The team's strong gaming clientele includes Monarch Casino & Resort, Union Gaming Group and Black Gaming.
Sources say: "They are interested in meeting our needs and proactive and flexible in helping us reach our business goals."
KEY INDIVIDUALS The "creative and diligent" Michael Bonner is a highly regarded lawyer of choice for corporate, securities and gaming law, praised for "giving business-minded recommendations." He is particularly called on for his broad corporate governance and gaming experience. The knowledgeable John Brewer has lately been giving securities and governance advice to Full House Resorts.
THE FIRM This long-standing Reno-based firm commands respect on the local stage for its roster of clients and stable team of corporate lawyers. Names such as Centex, Sierra Pacific Resources and Tenet Healthcare feature among clients that instruct the team on partnership matters, securities and M&A transactions.
KEY INDIVIDUALS Interviewees admire the accomplished corporate lawyer John Fowler for his "extremely objective and thoughtful approach," while colleague Gregg Barnard wins praise for his track record in financing, M&A and real estate transactions.
Sources say
Andrew Gabriel of McDonald Carano Wilson LLP is
"steeped in corporate law and very experienced;" he excels in corporate and real estate work. Clients appreciate the
"proactive and speedy approach" of Ballard Spahr LLP's business chair,
Robert Kim, who is
"incredibly pragmatic and a great guy." He recently advised Bank of Nevada on loan documentation and workouts, as well as locally based oil and gas client Arena Resources on its proposed merger with a subsidiary of SandRidge Energy.
Kenneth Woloson of Santoro, Driggs, Walch, Kearney, Holley, & Thompson commands respect for a diverse practice of business acquisitions, real estate deals, tax and estate planning. With 30 years' experience,
Neal Klegerman of Emmel & Klegerman PC rises in the rankings for his "
outstanding legal mind" and sound corporate and securities advice to midsized companies and entrepreneurs.
David Levine of Harrell Levine divides his practice between Nevada and California and advises entrepreneurs, emerging businesses and small businesses on corporate and securities transactional matters. Corporate and securities expert
Alan Sklar of Sklar Williams LLP has been lately involved in a range of loan workouts, securities offerings for banks and technology companies, and acquisitions for healthcare clients.