Gaming attorney Clayton joins Greenberg Traurig law firm
Gaming attorney Mark Clayton, who represented several high-profile clients in their Nevada regulatory matters in the past year, has switched law firms.
Clayton, 49, left Lionel Sawyer & Collins, one of the state’s oldest law firms, for a position with Greenberg Traurig, an international law firm with three dozen offices worldwide.
He began work Monday with Greenberg Traurig’s global gaming practice in Las Vegas.
Clayton was a member of the Gaming Control Board from 2005 to 2009 and also has worked as the in-house general counsel for several gaming corporations.
“It is this platform, along with the firm’s presence, culture and reputation that attracted me,” Clayton said in a statement. “Focusing on my clients’ growing global needs is a top priority.”
In May, Clayton represented Malaysia-based Genting Berhad in front of state gaming regulators. The company intends to build the $4 billion Resorts World Las Vegas on the Strip. Genting was given a preliminary finding of suitability to do business in Nevada, one step below receiving an actual gaming license.
Clayton has represented sports book operator CG Technology, online gaming companies 888 Holdings and Paddy Power, and was part of the legal team in this month’s licensing for SLS Las Vegas owner Stockbridge Real Estate.
Prior to his nearly five years with Lionel Sawyer & Collins, Clayton was general counsel for Showboat Inc., Aladdin Gaming Holdings and Caesars Entertainment before the company was sold to Harrah’s Entertainment in 2005.
Clayton served as the chief of corporate securities for the Control Board early in his career.
In a statement Michael Bonner, managing shareholder of Greenberg Traurig’s Las Vegas office, said Clayton’s background and experience “would be a significant asset to our clients and our firm.”
Clayton joined Lionel Sawyer & Collins after leaving the Control Board. He was part of the firm’s gaming law practice, which was headed by the late Bob Faiss.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed our association with Mark and we know from that experience he will enjoy success in his future endeavors,” Lionel Sawyer managing partner Paul Hejmanowski said in a statement. “This transition will give Mark a base from which to expand his practice way beyond Nevada.ʺ
Clayton earned his law degree from Pepperdine University and undergraduate degrees in accounting and finance from Washington University in St. Louis.
Contact reporter Howard Stutz at hstutz@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
