2024 Guide to Gaming Law Lawyers in Bakersfield, CA

State regulations: Whether you are in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, or any other city where gaming is allowed, there are many legal hurdles that you'll need to navigate. These can range from issues related to a gaming license and dealing with a gaming control board, to conforming with state lottery rules, to matters involving employment law and who is eligible to work at a casino or other betting establishment as a part of gaming operations.

Property and operations issues: Casino operators and those who operate other gambling locations need to address a variety of issues related to real estate and operations. These include land use issues, zoning compliance, and other regulatory matters that affect all aspects of gaming operations. These operators may also need assistance negotiating contracts or resolving commercial litigation claims with equipment manufacturers and other similar vendors.

Native American gaming topics: Gaming companies and gaming clients may need assistance from a gaming lawyer when dealing with the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Evolving regulations: Gaming operators and those who play games (including online gaming and those who participate in daily fantasy sports) need to stay up-to-date on relevant laws and regulations. This includes things such as how the Wire Act and other gaming-related parts of the law are being interpreted by the Supreme Court of the United States and lower courts. It also includes matters related to state agencies, government commissions, regulatory agencies, and other and legislative bodies.

Consider the following:

Comfort Level

- Are you comfortable telling the lawyer personal information? Does the lawyer seem interested in solving your problem?

Credentials

- How long has the lawyer been in practice? Has the lawyer worked on other cases similar to yours?

Cost

- How are the lawyer's fees structured - hourly or flat fee? Can the lawyer estimate the cost of your case?

City

- Is the lawyer's office conveniently located near you?

Many people who need to find a lawyer in California have never hired a lawyer before. Talking to a lawyer may be a new experience and you might want some help getting started. Here are some questions you may want to ask a lawyer before deciding who to hire.

• What is your main practice area?
• How many years of experience do you have in California with cases like mine?
• How often do you take cases to trial or settle them out of court?
• Can I take my case through mediation or arbitration?
• Do you offer a free consultation?
• What are your fees and costs?
• Will you be the attorney primarily handling my case?
• How will I be kept up-to-date about my case?

In order to practice law in California, attorneys have to both pass the California bar exam and be admitted by the State Bar of California. Most attorneys in California graduate from an accredited law school but some lawyers are admitted through on-the-job experience for a minimum of 4 years and through passing an additional legal exam. After a lawyer is admitted to law practice in California, they can practice in almost any area of law.

Lawyers in California are held to strict ethical guidelines known as the Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys may have duties and limitations in:

• Attorney-client confidentiality
• Duty of client advocacy
• Conflicts of interest
• Duty of candor
• Limitations in soliciting clients
• Restrictions on handling a client's money

Many people avoid calling a lawyer because they are worried it will be too expensive. In many cases, a lawyer can end up saving the client money. This includes getting an increased award, recovering additional damages, avoiding financial problems in the future, and avoiding future disputes and litigation. Some legal areas even allow the lawyer to recover legal fees from the party at fault.