Individuals thinking about creating a business have a variety of business structures to consider. This course provides an exposure to the fundamentals of business organizations and modern forms of business including corporations, partnerships and LLCs as they are utilized in the US. It also emphasizes the transcendent importance of agency law as it relates to business organizations. The focus of the course is the corporation and will address the life cycle of a business from formation through dissolution. The theory of the firm is covered with an emphasis on the nuts and bolts of business law particularly issues raised by closely held as well as publicly held corporations. The fiduciary responsibilities of directors and officers as well as shareholder rights will be reviewed. Specific characteristics and the securities law requirements of public businesses will be introduced including the process by which a company “goes public”. In addition, we will introduce the methods used to finance businesses including debt as well as equity. Students will gain insight into the various alternatives used by US businesses to create long term value for their owners, customers, vendors and society. The course will provide a fundamental understanding of the concepts of various types of business organizations for students anticipating sitting for a U.S. bar exam. GRADING NOTICE: This course does not offer the CR/NC/H option. RESTRICTION: Please note that students who have taken Corporations for LLMs (LAW AM 815) or Corporations (LAWJD 816) are ineligible for the course.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.