Business Associations* (4 credits) - California Bar Tested
This course offers coverage of both fundamental agency law principles and an in-depth
study of the law governing various business forms/entities, including sole proprietorships,
general partnerships, corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies,
and limited liability partnerships. In addition to addressing basic questions of formation,
students will acquire an understanding of the law governing various aspects of business
operations and growth, the means by which investors and other stakeholders may legitimately
obtain a return on their investment, the extent of personal stakeholder liability
with respect to business obligations, and other topics of relevance. Coverage of various
business entities in the context of a single course offers students the opportunity,
via comparison and contrast, to appreciate the unique legal character of specific
business forms. This knowledge will enhance their ability to advise clients with respect
to which business entity best achieves their clients’ overall business objectives.
The course also serves to prepare students for advanced study in arenas in which prior
knowledge of various business entity fundamentals is assumed.
Corporations* (3 credits)
This course provides a basic understanding of both closely held and publicly held
for-profit corporations. Particular attention is given to the way in which corporations
organize and operate. The course also examines the respective roles, relationships,
responsibilities, and liability exposure of shareholders, directors and officers.
The study of corporate litigation and regulation under key portions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations of the S.E.C. is included.
Federal Income Tax (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the system of federal income taxation of individuals.
The tax system is studied with emphasis on basic concepts rather than detailed computations.
Significant attention is given to the public policy served by various provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code. Primary consideration is given to principles and policies
relating to the taxation of individuals including procedure, income, deductions, gains
and losses, and transactional aspects of income taxation. The Internal Revenue Code
and Regulations are emphasized. (This course is a J.D. graduation requirement for students who matriculated at the
Law School prior to Fall 2021.)
Financial Accounting** (3)
This course represents an introduction to accounting for students with little background
in the field. Initial emphasis is on established accounting principles and the analysis
of financial statements. The course’s perspective is that of a business attorney who
might use financial statements to advise clients in various legal settings (e.g.,
the drafting of financial contracts and the valuation of businesses). Applications
to securities law are also considered.
*Students must take either Business Associations or Corporations as one of the core
courses in this program. Students may not take both courses. These courses are already
required for the JD degree.
**This course may be waived upon verification that the student previously completed
a comparable course in their undergraduate/graduate studies. The course previously
taken will not be accepted in transfer, but it is only to waive out of this requirement
for the emphasis. Students must contact the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to
request a waiver based on an accounting course previously taken.