One of the primary problems facing many lawyers servicing business clients today is a lack of understanding of essential business concepts. To further complicate matters, over the last decade business practices have changed significantly. A new arsenal of analytical tools and techniques is now used by business clients in addition to the traditional ones.



This course is designed to introduce the broad business related matters from strategic planning and decision making processes to detailed accounting and finance related matters so that the lawyer can be a productive participant in the business decision-making process, rather than remain a bystander. We will cover the basics of accounting, financial analysis, corporate structure considerations, capital financing (debt, equity), related income taxes, business valuation, investing and strategic planning - with the end goal of arming the student with the tools to construct a detailed business plan.



In many ways this course is analogous to the standard Business Law course found in the business school curriculum, and suffers from some of the same problems since it is, by its very nature, an extremely rapid overview of a number of vastly complex subjects. Even though we won't be covering any of the topics in great detail, it is hoped that you will emerge conversant and comfortable with the techniques and terminology. The course should also be of interest to those who plan to become involved in any aspect of future business management, whether it is in their own firm or in private industry.