Dennis M.P. Ehling

Dennis M.P. Ehling
Partner
Business Litigation

Biography

Dennis Ehling focuses on complex commercial and deal litigation and transactions, governance, blockchain and payments, and all aspects of practice in service to the gaming industry.

A Resource for the Gaming Industry

Dennis has significant experience representing clients in the highly regulated gaming industry including both transactional and litigation matters, as well as handling complex confidential investigations and regulatory proceedings. He has particular knowledge in the area of online gaming and wagering, sports wagering and regulation, and eSports, and represents clients in, and counsels clients on the regulatory and business implications of:

  • New media, markets, and technologies
  • Licensing
  • Financing
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Sweepstakes and promotions
  • Electronic payment facilities (including traditional and blockchain)

In addition, Dennis advocates on behalf of gaming entrepreneurs and operators in all types of civil litigation, including:

  • Securities disputes
  • Intellectual property disputes
  • Antitrust disputes
  • Contractual disputes
  • Criminal investigations

His clients include well-known casino operators, gaming equipment manufacturers, racing and wagering operators, internet operators, Native American gaming interests, payment providers, vendors, investment funds, and other companies that invest in, or provide services to, the gaming or racing industry.

Keen Insight on Disruptive Technologies

Dennis has significant experience with disruptive technologies in both the gaming and payments fields, with particular understanding of the impacts of Blockchain Technologies and Digital Currencies, including as they affect regulatory priorities and challenges affecting issues ranging from integrity in sports wagering to transparency in money transmission.

A Litigator with a Mind for Business

Dennis has developed his unique litigation and corporate practice around the realities of the complex challenges faced by businesses daily. His deep experience includes:

  • Corporate deal, ownership, and securities litigation
  • Confidential internal investigations, including FCPA, money laundering, and other criminal and employment violations
  • CERCLA, RCRA, and CEQA
  • RICO
  • Construction
  • Energy (including California and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission matters)

Dennis has written various publications for magazines and online on issues ranging from Internet gambling and advertising, to fantasy sports betting, internet file sharing, use of illegal substances and player misconduct in the sports industry, and arbitration agreements. He has been published in World Sports Law Report, Transaction World Magazine, Los Angeles Daily Journal, IGamingNews, eCommerce Law Reports, and World Online Gambling Law Report, to name a few.

Outside the Firm

Dennis is an avid cyclist who rides with his wife the 525 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation every year. When not cycling, Dennis serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Arthritis Foundation and as a catechist in his local Catholic parish, cheers Notre Dame athletics, and collects wine. He is a member of the Jonathan Club in Los Angeles.

Related Services

Related Industries

Experience

  • A California municipal utility, in proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and litigation before state and federal courts regarding the scope of commission authority to regulate municipal utilities, leading to the published decision Transmission Agency of Northern California, et al. v. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 495 F.3d 663 (D.C. Cir. 2007).
  • A major multinational corporation, in acquisition of U.S. - based gaming company, including deal structuring and negotiation, commercial and regulatory due diligence, and post-acquisition regulatory compliance.
  • Served as lead trial counsel on matters involving claims of heavy metal, hydrocarbon, and chlorinated solvent contamination at sites around Southern California, including claims under CERCLA, RCRA, and their state law equivalents brought by government agencies and private parties.
  • A nationwide cable television content provider, in strategic acquisition of primary competitor.
  • An investor, in securities fraud and RICO litigation arising from allegations of fraud in purchase transaction for investor to acquire two Las Vegas casinos.
  • A California municipal utility, conducted internal investigation into allegations of corruption and mismanagement by city officials.
  • Board of a major multinational not-for-profit organization, conducted internal investigation into allegations of FCPA and various other violations.
  • Drafted legislation to authorize new forms of online gambling, which has been passed by both the California and New Jersey legislatures.
  • Entrepreneurs, in structuring and forming U.S. investment vehicle and UK company to develop and manufacture new form of solar cell, including securing license for key technology components.
  • Founding entrepreneurs of an Internet payment processor, in litigation to unwind a merger transaction and regain control of the company.
  • A municipal utility, in regulatory aspects of sale of major generating and high voltage transmission lines through modified auction process.

News & Views

See all News and Views

Recognitions

  • 2021–2022, “Legal Visionary,” listed by Los Angeles Times B2B Publishing

Affiliations

Memberships

  • California State Bar Association
  • International Masters Gaming Law
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
Professional Activities

Dennis is a member of the Executive Committee of the National Board of Directors of the Arthritis Foundation.

Dennis served for many years as a member of the Princeton Schools Committee and a regional co-chair of the Princeton Alumni Schools Committee in Los Angeles.

Credentials

Admissions

  • California

Education

  • Princeton University, AB
  • University of Notre Dame Law School, JD, cum laude

A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here.