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

I Say Again That Section 2116 Says Nothing About Officers

Recently, I took note of the fact that the California Supreme Court as granted review of EpicentRx, In.c v. Superior Court,95 Cal. App. 5th 890 (2023),review granted 539 P.3d 118 (2023).   This was a case that I discussed last September in which the...

The Corporate Transparency Act - A Nightmare From Which Small Businesses Are Trying To Awake?

As the new year begins, businesses of all sizes will have to contend with the federal Corporate Transparency Act. The CTA is part of the 1,482 page William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2021 which Congress...

Can A Charter Amendment Fix Con Ed?

In a recent post, Professor Ann Lipton noted a proposed charter amendment intended to address the so-called "Con Ed" problem.   In Consol. Edison, Inc. v. Ne. Utilities, 426 F.3d 524 (2d Cir. 2005), the stockholders of Northeast Utilities sued...

If Corporate Charters Are Contracts, Must They Be Signed By The Corporation Or Shareholders?

Recently, Professor Ann Lipton wrote that the California Supreme Court has granted review of EpicentRx, In.c v. Superior Court, 95 Cal. App. 5th 890 (2023), review granted 539 P.3d 118 (2023).   This was a case that I discussed last September in which...

“Get Foreign Money Out of California Elections Act” Is Set To Advance

On December 16, 2022, California Assembly Member Alex Lee introduced AB 83 which would enact the "Get Foreign Money Out of California Elections Act. Six months later he requested that the bill be moved to the inactive file. When the legislature...

Is Someone Who Makes No Loans, A Lender?

The California Finance Lenders Lawprohibits any "person" from engaging in the business of a "finance lender" without a license, unless otherwise exempt.  Cal. Fin. Code § 22100(a).   The CFL defines a "finance lender" as follows:

Incoherent (And Therefore Unconstitutional) California Physician Gag Law Repeal Is Now Effective

In 2022, the California legislature enacted statutory changes ostensibly to limit the spread of misinformation and disinformation about COVID-19 by licensed physicians.  2022 Cal. Stats. ch. 938 (AB 2098), SeeCalifornia Legislates Covid-19 Orthodoxy...

Are The Harvard Corporation Members Answerable Only To G-D?

On December 12, 2023, the Harvard Corporation  unanimously reaffirmed its support for President Claudine Gay's continued leadership despite her controversial testimony before the U.S. Congress and allegations of plagiarism. Harvard is a corporation...

The Legislature Will Soon Be Back In Town And Facing Imminent Deadlines

On January 4, 2024, the California legislature will reconvene for the second year of its current biennium.  Joint Rule 51(a)(4).  January opens the new year with some important legislative deadlines.