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

But Different Folk Have Different Views

Yesterday, I pointed out several ambiguities in Corporations Code Section 701 and offered some alternative interpretations.  Today, I heard from one reader who suggested some additional interpretations. 

Plowing Through The Ambiguities Of California's Record Date Statute

Corporations Code Section 603(a) provides the basic authority for shareholders of California corporations to take action by written consent (unless the articles provide otherwise). Section 701 establishes the rules for determining the record date...

Court Rejects Control Requirement For Director Liability

Outside directors and their counsel should take note of yesterday's decision by the First District Court of Appeal in Hellum v. Breyer. The case analyzes what a plaintiff must plead in attempting to assert liability against directors of an issuer...

Straining The Quality Of Mercy? Nevada's Exculpation Statute

The legislatures of California, Delaware and Nevada have each enacted statutes eliminating or limiting the personal liability of corporate directors for monetary damages. Cal. Corp. Code § 204(a)(10), Del. Code Ann. tit. 8 § 102(b)(7), and NRS §...

California/Delaware Symposium Next Friday In LA!

As a reminder, the Los Angeles County Bar Association's annual California/Delaware Law Symposium is next week.  Information on registration is available here.

In A Securities Fraud Action, The Date Of Filing May Determine Whether You Win Or Lose (And I'm Not Referring To The Statute Of Limitations)

Yesterday, I discussed one-half of the battle in Zalkind v. Ceradyne, Inc. Today, I address the securities law issues raised by Ceradyne's cross-complaint.

Court of Appeal Upholds Contractual Limitations Period In Acquisition Agreement

Yesterday, the Fourth District Court of Appeal issued an opinion addressing two issues that should be of interest to the M&A community.   Zalkind v. Ceradyne, Inc. involved a dispute concerning an asset purchase agreement. The Zalkinds (Stanley,...

Voting By Trustees

Often shares are held in the name of multiple trustees.  For example, a corporation may issue shares to "Jane & John Doe, Trustees under the Doe Family Trust".  What if only Jane signs an action by written consent?

Board Meetings And The "Annihilation of Distance"

Yesterday's Wall Street Journal included an article by Joann S. Lublin about the increasing use of videoconferencing technology to hold board of directors meetings. One important question not addressed in the article is whether a board member who...