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

"Out by the Truckee's Silvery Rills"

To many, October 31 is Halloween but to a few (well, maybe one or two) die-hard traditionalists like me, October 31 is Nevada Day.   As a schoolchild in Nevada, we always looked forward to having the day off from school. 

CalPERS Loses Public Records Act Fight

Three years ago, I petitioned the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to adopt regulations regarding requests for information pursuant to the California Public Records Act, Government Code § 6250 et seq. The purpose of my request...

The SEC's Proposed Advisory Vote Rule Favors Large Minority Shareholders

The Securities and Exchange Commission continues to pump out rule proposals at "warp speed" in order to meet the mandates of the Dodd-Frank Act.  Last week, the Commission issued this proposal with respect to shareholder advisory votes concerning...

Ninth Circuit Declares No General Alter Ego Claim Exists In CA Law

When alter ego is alleged, the question may arise as to whether the theory is to be applied generally (i.e., for all of the creditors) or specifically (i.e., in the particular case presented by the creditor).

Rule 260.204.9 - What is to be Done (Part II)?

Last August, I wrote about the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on Rule 260.204.9 in this post. Last Thursday, I attended a meeting called by the Department of Corporations to solicit input from persons with an interest in the rule. Technically, the...

Must A Fund's General Partner Be Registered?

The typical responsibilities of a general partner of an investment limited partnership are to handle the business and administrative aspects of the fund. In return, the general partner is compensated - often, based on a percentage of the assets...

California Choice of Law, Jurisdiction & Venue Clauses

The boilerplate section of many corporate agreements include a "governing law" provision. Often these provisions cover three related, but distinct choices - choice of law, choice of jurisdiction, and choice of venue. More importantly, the legal...

From DFI to CSBS to FSOC

Section 111 of the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act established the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC).  In fact, the FSOC had its first meeting on October 1. Although all of the voting members (with one exception)...

Private Placements And The Internet

Many securities lawyers are familiar with the SEC staff's position in the IPONET no-action letter (July 26, 1996). That letter is frequently referred to in discussions on how to conduct a private placement on the Internet without violating the...