Dean Kayes
Dean H. Kayes is the Founder and Managing Partner of the Law Office of Dean H. Kayes, P.C., with offices in San Francisco and Pasadena, California. With over thirty years of experience in corporate and technology law, Dean has established a reputation for delivering exceptional legal services across a broad spectrum of industries including technology, financial services, biotech, and hardware development. His areas of expertise encompass corporate law, financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, media, licensing, and intellectual property strategy.
Dean began his legal career at Haas & Najarian in San Francisco, where he gained substantial experience in corporate governance, capital structure, and government contracts. This experience proved invaluable for his subsequent roles at prominent companies. At Lithium Technologies (now Khoros, LLC), Dean served as Corporate Counsel, General Counsel, and Secretary, where he played a pivotal role in the company's growth and success. In these positions, he skillfully managed legal operations for SaaS applications, guided corporate governance, and supported multiple venture capital financing rounds. Dean's strategic leadership was particularly crucial in navigating complex M&A transactions, culminating in Lithium's acquisition by Vista Equity Partners in 2017. This deal marked a significant milestone for Lithium, transforming it into a unicorn and positioning it as a leader in the Digital Customer Experience sector. Dean's expertise was instrumental in structuring this transaction, which aimed to accelerate Lithium's growth, innovation, and market-leading position in the industry.
Dean's tenure as Vice President of Business Development and General Counsel at Starlink Communications demonstrated his skill in forging strategic business relationships and negotiating high-value agreements in the telecommunications and internet service sectors. His efforts in securing telecommunications transport and network distribution services were instrumental in the company's expansion.
In addition to his roles at Lithium Technologies and Starlink Communications, Dean has provided legal oversight for a range of companies including Linqia, Shareg, Bizmatics, Ensenta Corporation, Qtemdical, Sanmai, TuneIn, InTerra Sciences and Linqia. His work has involved managing corporate governance, compliance, and strategic legal matters. Dean has played a key role in facilitating numerous mergers and acquisitions, contributing to the strategic growth and consolidation of companies in the technology and biotech sectors. He has developed and implemented robust data privacy strategies and compliance frameworks, addressing complex regulatory requirements including GDPR and CCPA. His expertise extends to establishing and managing comprehensive intellectual property strategies, including patent filings, trademark registrations, and copyright protections. Dean has also navigated intricate regulatory environments, including SEC, FCC, FTC, and international compliance, for various sectors.
Dean’s career is further distinguished by his roles as Senior Contract Administrator at Physics International Corporation and his leadership positions in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he brought valuable experience in contract administration and regulatory compliance.
Education
- University of San Francisco, School of Law, San Francisco, CA JD, 1988
- Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA MBA – Finance, 1983
- Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, FLBS – Business Management, 1976
Admissions
- California
