Attorney Profiles - Partner

STEPHAN E. KYLE

PRACTICE AREAS
Stephan Kyle represents business interests in a variety of commercial contexts from the very early developmental stages of the business, to formation of the business entity and initial capitalization, to structuring and drafting a full-range of agreements and operational transactions. His practice also includes a wide range of civil litigation including contract/lease disputes, professional negligence, aviation, insurance, personal injury, employment and other discrimination claims.

EXPERIENCE
Mr. Kyle originally joined the firm in 1994 and returned to the firm in 2003 after a successful multi-year venture in which he co-founded Decimal, Inc., a rapid-growth, technology-focused financial services company. During his tenure at Decimal, Mr. Kyle served as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel where he oversaw the operational and strategic initiatives of the company, in addition to being directly responsible for all aspects of the company's corporate and legal affairs. Mr. Kyle has experience in negotiating and drafting a full spectrum of contracts, including license, alliance and marketing agreements, intellectual property and development agreements, as well as general servicing and vendor contracts. He has also provided counsel on equity and debt financings, regulatory compliance issues, employer-employee and investor matters.

In addition to his transactional skills, Mr. Kyle is an experienced litigator who has successfully represented numerous business clients in all aspects of civil litigation, including trial, arbitration, mediation and appeal. He has participated in a number of jury and bench trials and also has argued before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS
Panelist – Byzantine Forum, San Francisco Entrepreneurs’ Roundtable; February 2003; “Negotiating Partnerships/Alliances with Large, More Established Companies without Losing your Shirt.”

Read-Rite Corporation v. Burlington Air Express, Ltd., 186 F.3d 1190 (9th Cir. 1999)

Contributing Author, "Recent Developments in Aviation Law." Southern Methodist University Journal of Air Law and Commerce (Feb. 1995)

EDUCATION
Mr. Kyle received his J.D. from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1991. He received his B.A. from the Lee Honors College at Western Michigan University in 1987.

BAR ADMISSIONS
Mr. Kyle is admitted to practice before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, U.S. District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts of California , and all California state courts. Mr. Kyle is a member of the State Bar of California, Business Law Section and the Bar Association of San Francisco.

ACTIVITIES
When time permits, Mr. Kyle spends time playing tennis and softball. He is also an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys backpacking, camping and hiking with his family.