Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Technology, Commercial and Government Affairs

Partner - Corporate and Finance Transactions

Keith is a partner with the firm, serving as an integral contributor to the technology, franchise and distribution, and commercial litigation practices. He is the creator and leader of the firm’s start-up and emerging growth incubator in Santa Monica, serving as outside general counsel for developing companies. His clients include demographic-specific networks, social commerce companies and international direct marketing companies offering a broad range of products and services. The firm’s incubator, launched in December 2010, has contributed significantly to the incorporation, development and financing of high profile businesses and has become a prominent contributor to the Santa Monica Silicon Beach business community.

Keith is certified by the State Bar of California’s Board of Specialization as a franchise and distribution law specialist. He represents franchisors and large qualified franchisees in a broad spectrum of industries, including lodging and hospitality, fast food and fast casual dining, retail and specialty stores, real estate brokerages, and automobile-related servicing systems. He has argued key franchise-related issues before the California Supreme Court and in other courts throughout the country.

As part of Keith’s commercial litigation practice, he has served as the lead counsel defending the largest financial institution against more than 30 mass actions filed throughout the country. Keith’s team of lawyers from across the country has successfully defended the bank against lawsuits seeking substantial damages, including some which sought to place the financial institution in receivership.

Keith is an author of the book entitled California Franchise Law & Practice published by the Continuing Education of the Bar in February 2009. He is also an author of a chapter on franchising and the Internet in a book entitled Collateral Issues in Franchising, published by the American Bar Association in 2014. He is regularly interviewed by franchise publications on social media and Internet issues, and he has also participated in local, national and international panels on these issues.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT & HONORS Best Lawyers in America, Franchise Law (2013-2024) Best Lawyers in America - Lawyer of the Year, Franchise (Los Angeles), 2020 Chambers USA - Franchise - Recognized Practitioner (2017) Who’s Who Legal: Franchise (2016) Benchmark: Litigation - Future Star (2010-2015) Certified Franchise and Distribution Law Specialist, State Bar of California PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS American Bar Association ABA Forum on Franchising Los Angeles County Bar Association California State Bar, Franchise Law Committee of the Business Law Section, Member