The former PGCB Duo creates a law firm aimed at new market participants
A new law firm dedicated to the gaming industry was founded by the former Chief Licensing Officer of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) Susan Hensel and her former attorney Joseph Grad .
Their boutique law firm Hensel Grad PC will endeavor to provide services to a wide range of domestic and international customers, including operators, equipment manufacturers, technology and service providers, investors and others.
"We believe the time is right for a law firm that has a solid understanding of how to create, implement and enforce gambling laws in the United States."
Susan Hensel
The boutique law firm would also like to act as a consultant in other jurisdictions nationally and internationally facing gambling regulatory challenges as both Susan Hensel and Joseph Grad have been involved in the development of the Pennsylvania licensing regulatory framework.
“… Have the knowledge, experience and relationships necessary to meet all of the client's regulatory needs, and we believe a boutique law firm is the ideal platform to provide clients with top-quality gaming law services. "
Susan Hensel
Regulatory experience and industry legal practice
Hensel, who was the first PGCB employee in 2005 and then became the regulator's first chief licensing officer, stepped down from his position last month. She has extensive experience in overseeing the licensing process of more than 100,000 companies and individuals during her tenure while the Pennsylvania market grew and evolved to become the second largest in the US.
Joseph Grad, who also ran his own law firm offering gaming, corporation and healthcare services, and has experience advising government gaming bodies, the most recent of which is the Colorado Sports Betting Working Group, was one of the first lawyers employed at PGCB. During his 5-year stay from 2005 to 2010, Grad acted as Deputy General Counsel and Special Counsel for Corporate Finance and Corporate Governance.
Grad noted that their company would be keen to work with any company looking to enter the jurisdiction, from the moment the entry decision is made to reaching the requirements license compliance, helping them navigate the American gaming landscape. He confirmed that the boutique law firm will focus on advising new or new entrants to the US market.