Kimberly M. Copp

Industry Chair, Partner Chicago

Contact Info

E kcopp@taftlaw.com
T (312) 836-4068
F (312) 966-8471

Top Services

Practices

Industries

Gaming

Summary

Kim serves as co-chair of Taft’s Gaming Industry Group. She has extensive experience representing cities and states (including regulatory bodies) on gaming matters including:

Drafting legislation and related regulations.
Negotiating host community agreements between state/local governments and casino developers.
Conducting competitive selection processes for gaming opportunities.
Negotiating and providing counsel on gaming projects.

She further represents all gaming interests including owners, operators, suppliers, and manufacturers on mergers and acquisitions, financings and licensing, and regulatory matters. In addition, Kim represents lenders and investors in gaming interests on financing structures and licensing and regulatory matters.

Kim also focuses her practice in the areas of corporate and finance matters. She is a member of the Distressed Company Task Force, created in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist borrower clients in every way, including how to navigate discussions with their lenders and in addressing concerns over suppliers and stakeholders.

Kim is often a guest speaker on various gaming topics. She also is a regular presenter at UNLV’s/UNR’s annual Executive Development Program for Casino Executives.

Kim also serves as counsel to lenders and borrowers in middle-market financing transactions including acquisition financings, asset-based lending, and project financings. Kim also has significant experience representing public and private companies on mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity offerings, and corporate governance matters.

Kim received a B.B.S. in Finance from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago (now the UIC John Marshall Law School). Kim was the recipient of the Graduate School Scholarship Award for the Highest Overall Class Rank in Law School Studies.

Awards

Honoree, Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Gaming & Licensing (2018 - present)
Honoree, Leading Lawyers (2014 - present)
Honoree, Illinois Super Lawyers, Securities & Corporate Finance (2021 - present)
Chicago’s Notable Women Lawyers Honoree, Crain’s Chicago Business (2018)
Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Banking and Finance Law, Public Finance Law (2021 - present)
Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer - independently rated lawyers

(2022)
Honoree, Illinois Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2008 - 2011)