Robert C. Kim is a Co-Leader of the firm's Gaming Team and the Managing Partner of the Las Vegas office. He practices in the areas of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, securities, and gaming matters.
Rob represents clients in business entity formation and operation, corporate governance matters, public offerings, private placements, licensing, and energy-related agreements. He also has experience in renewable energy, public finance, public-private partnerships, and distressed real estate.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Rob handles asset- and stock-based transactions and roll-up transactions. He helps structure transactions and guides them through Nevada’s business laws, including compliance with fiduciary duties, anti-takeover statutes, preemptive rights, and appraisal rights. He negotiates representations and warranties, pre- and post-closing covenants, payment structures/earnouts, and indemnification obligations.
Services
- Business and Transactions
- Energy
- Infrastructure
- Public Finance
- Real Estate Finance
- Distressed Real Estate
- Resort, Hospitality and Timeshare
- Securities and Capital Markets
- Commercial Finance
- Emerging Companies and Venture Capital
- Banking and Financial Services
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Private Equity
- Qualified Opportunity Zones
- Gaming
- Project Finance
- Owner-Managed and Closely Held Businesses
- Cannabis, Psychedelics, and Emerging Therapies
- Agribusiness
- Food and Beverage
Experience
Representative Matters
- Representation of first lien bond holders in a multibillion dollar restructuring transaction with respect to gaming regulatory matters in nine jurisdictions, including compliance with gaming laws, applications for licenses, approvals and/or waivers, and related requirements
- Representation of underwriter in an at-the-market registered offering of up to $100 million in common stock for a regulated utility
- Representation of underwriters in a registered note offering of up to $250 million for a regulated utility, including extensive due diligence review of material agreements, regulatory approvals and corporate governance matters
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
American Bar Association, Mergers and Acquisitions Committee, M&A Market Trends Subcommittee
State Bar of California
State Bar of Nevada, Chair, Executive Committee, Business Law Section, 2003-present
National Asian Pacific American Bar Association
Ballard Spahr's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers USA, corporate/commercial law, 2003-2024 (highest ranking, 2012-2024)
The Best Lawyers in America, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions law, 2008-2025; corporate governance law, 2021-2025, securities/capital markets law, 2023-2025; "Lawyer of the Year," Mergers and Acquisitions Law (Las Vegas), 2015, 2018, 2020, and 2025; "Lawyer of the Year," Corporate Law (Las Vegas), 2025
Legal 500, Private Practice Powerlist, M&A (Nevada), 2024
Speaking Engagements
Rob often speaks on the organization and operation of Nevada business entities, the legislative process in the state, and trends and changes in securities laws. and has served as a guest lecturer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Additional speaking engagements have included the following:
- "2013 Legislative Developments," State Bar of Nevada CLE, July 27, 2013
- "Gaming Considerations in Mergers and Acquisitions", 2012 American Bar Association Business Law Section Spring Meeting, March 24, 2012
- "Investments in Startup Companies: Challenges and Considerations in Seeking Capital from Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, and Private Equity Funds," Association of Corporate Counsel, Nevada Chapter, September 27, 2011
- "Innovation, Risk, and Regulation: An Energy Sector Update," 8th Annual Ballard Spahr Wall Street Energy Briefing, New York, November 17, 2010
Credentials
Education
University of Southern California, Gould School of Law (J.D. 1996)
University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business (M.B.A. 1996)
Cornell University (B.A. 1992)
Languages
Conversational in Korean
Admissions
California
Nevada