Robert D. Faiss Lecture on Gaming Law & Policy with Jeffrey Silver

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Join us for an enlightening discussion as we delve into Jeffrey Silver's storied past as a member of the Gaming Control Board, Chief Deputy District Attorney, and executive roles with many prestigious casinos.

Jeffrey A. Silver is a prominent attorney based in Las Vegas, Nevada, known for his extensive expertise in gaming law, administrative and regulatory law, and land use/zoning matters. With a career spanning over 50 years, Silver has made significant contributions to the legal and gaming industries in Nevada and beyond. He recently retired from Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he served as Of Counsel in the firm’s Las Vegas office.

Silver’s legal practice focused on a wide range of areas, including gaming and liquor licensing, regulatory compliance, planning and zoning, contractor licensing, and transportation law. He has represented high-profile clients such as Gaming Laboratories International, Dubai World, Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, Las Vegas Sands, and Westgate Resorts, among others. His work has included testifying before the Nevada Legislature and U.S. Congressional subcommittees on gaming law issues, as well as consulting on regulatory matters in various jurisdictions.

Before his long tenure in private practice, Silver held several notable positions. He served as a Chief Deputy District Attorney in Clark County, leading the Consumer Affairs and White Collar Crimes Division. He was also a member of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board from 1975 to 1979, during a critical period when the state was working to eliminate organized crime influence from the gaming industry. At the age of 29, he was the resident Las Vegas member of the Gaming Board and played a key role in high-profile cases, including the denial of a gaming license to Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, an event later dramatized in the film "Casino." Additionally, Silver has held executive roles in the casino industry, including Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel for the Landmark Hotel & Casino, Chief Executive Officer of the Riviera Hotel & Casino, and Senior Vice President of Marketing for Caesars Palace.

Silver’s contributions have earned him significant recognition. In 2021, he was inducted into the American Gaming Association’s Gaming Hall of Fame, honoring his impactful career in the gaming industry. He has been named a "Lawyer of the Year" by "Best Lawyers" for Land Use & Zoning Law (2012) and Administrative/Regulatory Law (2013 and 2015) in Las Vegas. He was also consistently recognized by outlets like "Super Lawyers" and "Chambers USA" for his legal expertise.

Beyond his professional achievements, Silver has been active in community leadership. He has served as Chairman of the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (Mob Museum), President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), and Chairman of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce.

He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego School of Law (1971) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northwestern University. A former Certified Public Accountant (now inactive), Silver has lived in Las Vegas since 1955, when his family moved there after his father, Benjamin Silver, became involved in the development of the Stardust hotel.

Host or Publisher William S. Boyd School of Law