James Park

Accounting, Finance, and Law Seminar

While lawyers typically do not have formal training in accounting and finance, a basic understanding of these subjects is essential when advising businesses. This seminar is for students wishing to continue developing their ability to understand the business considerations that arise when practicing corporate and securities law. It will do so by examining selected concepts from accounting and finance that are relevant to the law.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade with pass/fail option. Each student will be required to write a paper that examines a topic relating to corporate or securities law (and involves some aspect of accounting or finance) and do a class presentation based on their paper topic. Students may choose to use this paper to satisfy the Upperclass Writing Requirement.

Civil Procedure

This course is designed to introduce beginning law students to the elements and procedures of the civil justice system. The course covers the litigation process from commencement of a case through appeals. Major topics include jurisdiction, remedies, pleading, discovery, class actions, and pretrial and trial procedures. Issues covered in the course include: In what court may a lawsuit be commenced? Over what persons and entities does a court have power? Who may participate in a lawsuit? How much information must opposing parties disclose to each other? What are the roles of the judge and jury?

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade only. Final exam.

Corporations

This course examines formation and organization of corporations; financing the corporation; purposes and powers (ultra vires doctrine); transfer of shares (restriction of transfers; Article 8 U.C.C.); distribution of powers between shareholders and directors; some important aspects of the Securities Act of 1933, Securities Exchange Act of 1934; sale of controlling interest; derivative actions; preemptive rights; voting rights; dividends and distributions, organic changes; and dissolutions and liquidations.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade only. Final exam.

Securities Regulation

Pre or Co-requisite: Corporations

This course provides an overview of the federal securities laws and the work of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The course focuses on two federal statutes: the Securities Act of 1933, which regulates the distribution of securities; and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which regulates the markets for the trading of securities. Subjects covered include registration procedures and exemptions, disclosure requirements, the prohibitions against fraud and manipulation, regulation of brokers and dealers, the definition of the term "security" (i.e., the scope of the securities laws), enforcement and civil liability, regulation of tender offers, and professional responsibility of lawyers.

Grading and Method of Evaluation

Letter grade only. Final exam.