Symposium

Blue and gold graphic for the inaugural symposium on California business law, with a bridge motif.

We are proud to present the 2026 Center for Business Law and Society's Inaugural Symposium:

CALIFORNIA AND THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS LAW

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026 @ KING HALL IN ROOM 1001

California has long shaped the direction of business regulation, governance, and innovation—and UC Davis School of Law’s new Center for Business Law and Society (CBLS) is deepening that influence. Our inaugural symposium, California and the Future of Business Law, brings together leaders to examine how California’s unique legal and policy landscape continues to redefine business law.

Keynote speaker Commissioner Khalil “KC” Mohseni ’12 will open the symposium with his perspective on incorporating in California, sharing insights shaped by his experience as a regulator.

Panels will explore M&A and dealmaking, California’s influence on tax policy, and the impact of some of the world’s largest institutional investors on corporate governance. The discussion will feature regulators; representatives of two of the largest pension funds in the United States, California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS); general counsel from companies headquartered in California; and law firm partners—many of whom are King Hall alumni. Our business law faculty, nationally recognized experts in corporate governance, dealmaking, finance, antitrust, and tax, will contribute their scholarship to these critical conversations.

Situated near California’s capital, CBLS will serve as a hub connecting business law scholarship with the institutions that shape markets and policy. We hope you can join us to explore how California drives the evolution of business law and its impact on society!

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: CHECK-IN AND LUNCH IN THE COURTYARD

12:20 PM - 12:25 PM: WELCOME REMARKS FROM DEAN JESSICA BERG

12:25 PM – 12:55 PM: Financial Oversight in California: The Commissioner’s Perspective

A conversation between:

  • Khalil “KC” Mohseni '12, Commissioner of the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation
  • Afra Afsharipour, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law

12:55 PM – 1:00 PM: BREAK

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM: The Evolving Landscape of California Dealmaking

Moderator: Afra Afsharipour, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law

Panelists:

  • Menesh Patel, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law
  • David Richardson '07, Partner, DLA Piper
  • Sanam Saaber '09, General Counsel, Axonius
  • Tina Singh '88, Singh Law Corporation

1:50 PM – 2:05 PM: BREAK

2:05 PM – 2:30 PM: Power, Policy, and Revenue: California Tax Law in Focus

Presentation by: Darien Shanske, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law

2:35 PM – 3:25 PM: California’s Institutional Investors and The California Effect on Corporate Governance

Moderator: Menesh Patel, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law

Panelists:

  • Drew Hambly, Investment Director, Global Stewardship, CalPERS
  • Amelia Miazad, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law
  • Brian Sytsma, Corporate Counsel, CalSTRS
  • Ayako Yasuda, Professor, UC Davis Graduate School of Management

3:25 PM – 3:40 PM: BREAK

3:40 PM – 4:30 PM: Insights from King Hall GCs

Moderator: Amelia Miazad, Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law

Panelists:

  • Jacques Baritot '13, Associate General Counsel, Coinbase
  • Cindy Dole '09, Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Samsung Catalyst Fund
  • Matthew Tolve '09, General Counsel, Altimeter
  • Victoria Wong '15, Deputy General Counsel, Sierra

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: CLOSING REMARKS & RECEPTION

**California MCLE credits will be available to all attendees.

 

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