Keith Paul Bishop

Keith Paul Bishop

Keith Bishop works with privately-held and publicly-traded companies on federal and state corporate and securities transactions, compliance, and governance matters. He is highly-regarded for his in-depth knowledge of the distinctive corporate and regulatory requirements faced by corporations in the state of California. While many law firms have a great deal of expertise in federal or Delaware corporate law, Keith’s specific focus on California corporate and securities law is uncommon. A former California state regulator of securities and financial institutions, Keith has decades of experience navigating the regulatory-intensive state’s rules. For companies with substantial operations in California but incorporated elsewhere, Keith is an exceptional resource. He is frequently called in to help with issues arising under California’s “blue sky” and lender laws. An avid writer, Keith’s blog, www.calcorporatelaw.com, covers a diverse collection of California corporate and securities law issues and has served as a valued resource for other attorneys, business executives, judges, and media, nationwide.

Recent Posts

Are Charter Indemnification Provisions Contracts?

Public companies typically include provisions in their articles and bylaws that mandate indemnification of directors and officers. Often, these provisions include a statement to the effect that the rights to indemnification are a contract right....

Achilles' Shield And Judicial Review Of Arbitration Awards

This month, I revisited the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. Among other things, I wanted to have another look at the Shield of Achilles, John Flaxman's magnificent re-imagining of the shield crafted by Hephaestus and brought to...

Is An Immoral Contract Unlawful?

Last week, I wrote about a proposal by the Nevada Secretary of State to ban the establishment of  a corporation for an "illicit purpose".  Currently, Nevada specifically authorizes the formation of corporations to transact any "lawful" business and...

Court Of Appeal Sends Spot Trailer Bills To The Dog House

For some time, I've been critical of that bit of legislative legerdemain known as the "spot bill".  See See Spot Run. A spot bill is a bill that is essentially empty of any content, usually because the bill makes some minor, non-substantive change...

Senator Seeks 24-Hour Advance Notice Of Corporate Political Contributions/Assemblymember Asks For Constitutional Convention

Yesterday, Broc Romanek noted the continuing interest in mandating disclosure of political spending by corporations.   See Battle Lines Being Drawn: Political Spending Disclosures.   We are also seeing activity here in California.

A Corporate Governance Lesson From Pericles

Before shareholders may take action at a meeting, a quorum must be established.  See When The Best Offensive Strategy May Simply Be To Stay Home. The existence of a quorum does not guaranty that action has been validly taken at a shareholders'...

SEC Faces A Swarm Of Legal Issues In Considering The Investor Advisory Committee's Recommendations Concerning General Solicitation

The SEC's Investor Advisory Committee held another meeting last week with Elisse B. Walter making her first public appearance as SEC Chairman.  She and Commissioner Luis A. Aguilar had many kind words for the Committee's recommendations with respect...

Does The Authorization Or Issuance Of A New Class Of Stock Require Qualification?

Corporations often amend their articles of incorporation to create one or more new classes of securities. These newly created classes often have priority over the previously issued and outstanding shares. Does the amendment or issuance of these...

Proposed "Homeless Person’s Bill Of Rights And Fairness Act" Will Have Huge Impact On Government And Business

California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, Civil Code Section 51, generally provides that all persons within California are free and equal, regardless of their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic...