Bill Curran

Bill Curran concentrates on administrative and government law, particularly in the areas of real estate development, land use/zoning, and gaming law. He has built a strong gaming practice through both his tenure as Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Commission and his assistance to some of the gaming industry's largest casinos. Bill serves on a number of compliance committees for gaming companies and resort hotels and frequently participates in corporate compliance and internal investigation activities for major corporations.

Bill served with the Nevada Gaming Commission, from his appointment in 1989 through his tenure as Chairman, 1991 to 1999. He also served as Chairman of the International Association of Gaming Regulators from 1993 to 1994. In 1995, he was recognized by International Gaming & Wagering Business magazine as one of the 25 most influential individuals in the gaming industry.

Bill served as County Counsel for Clark County, Nevada, from 1979 to 1989, and as Deputy District Attorney from 1975 to 1979.

Pro Bono Experience

Bill is the Las Vegas office representative to Ballard Spahr's Pro Bono Committee. He has received recognition for his service from both pro bono providers and the media, including the 2013 Pro Bono Project Award, in recognition of performing 100 hours or more of pro bono work in 2013.

Judicial Clerkships

Chief Justice E.M. Gunderson, Nevada Supreme Court, 1973-1974

Professional Activities

American Bar Association, member, Board of Governors (2006-2009); Nevada State Delegate (1994-2006); State Bar Delegate (1991-1994)

State Bar of Nevada, President (1988-1989); member, Board of Governors (1979-1989)

Clark County (Nevada) Bar Association; recipient of 2007 Liberty Bell award in recognition of civic responsibility and dedication to the local community

National Association of County Civil Attorneys, President (1984-1985)

International Association of Gaming Regulators, Chair (1992-1994)

International Association of Gaming Advisors, Counselor (2018)

Recognition & Accomplishments

Recipient, City of Las Vegas City Council's "Citizen of the Month" Award, July 2018

Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, gaming and licensing law, 2003-2017; real estate: zoning/land use law, 2008-2018

The Best Lawyers in America, gaming law, government relations practice, land use and zoning law, real estate law, 2006-2019; Lawyer of the Year, land use and zoning law, 2017

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

Recipient, State Bar of Nevada's Presidential Award, given to a member of the Bar practicing 20 years or more who inspires by example, advances the administration of justice, and brings honor and integrity to the profession, 2014

Recipient, the Public Interest Law Association's Silver Staircase Honor, in recognition of excellence in public interest work and commitment to pro bono work, 2014

Named Volunteer Attorney of the Month for March 2013 by the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada Pro Bono Project

Named among Mountain States Super Lawyers 2012 in the area of land use/zoning

Recipient, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, International Gaming Institute Educator of the Year Award, 1998

Publications

Co-author, "Nevada Pregnant Workers' Fairness Act Goes Into Effect October 1," Ballard Spahr alert, September 21, 2017 

Co-author, "Half-Built Buildings: Preserving Entitlements," Communiqué, September 2010

Co-author, "Nevada Judicial Orientation Manual," National Judicial College, 1974

Speaking Engagements

Bill is a frequent lecturer at both gaming and zoning/land use conferences and has testified before the U.S. Congress and the Nevada Legislature.

Community Activities

International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, founder

National Wrestling Hall of Fame inductee, 2008 

Board Memberships

United Way of Southern Nevada, 1990-present

Outside Las Vegas Foundation, founding member, 1999-present

Southern Nevada Public Television, 2000-present

Nevada Legal Services, 2012-present

University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (J.D. 1972)

University of Minnesota (B.A. 1969, magna cum laude)

California

District of Columbia

Nevada

U.S. Supreme Court

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit