Courses and Curriculum

This course surveys Sales and Leases, a primary area covered by the Uniform Commercial Code. The course will introduce students to the UCC, a distinctive set of statutory provisions governing commercial transactions, and Article 1, which provides definitions and rules that apply throughout the Code. The course will also build on the foundation of concepts and topics covered in Contracts: Transactional Law, exposing students to key provisions of Articles 2 and 2A governing the sale and lease of goods. Finally, the course will survey the rights and liabilities that arise from payment by credit card, debit card, checks and other negotiable instruments. The course may also include treatment of Payment Systems, with attention focused on key provisions in Articles 3 and 4.

This course is designed to expose students to key legal, regulatory, and operational concepts in conducting banking compliance audits. This course examines state and federal bank regulatory agencies, and the power and enforcement authority of regulatory agencies. Students will also participate in simulated-based projects that will require them to perform audits, investigations and reporting activities.

Offers an introduction in how to approach the law from a transactional perspective. Covers the general scope of the legal protection accorded promises. Topics include mutual assent, consideration, the effect of changed or unforeseen circumstances, conditions, courses of action open to aggrieved party upon other party’s default, the statute of frauds, parol evidence rule, promissory and equitable estoppel, nature of remedies awarded in the event of a breach (expectancy, reliance and restitution, liquidated damages, and specific performance).

This is a one-week intensive simulation course in which students will simulate making deals and resolving disputes as lawyers, with emphasis on reviewing documents, identifying legal issues, counseling clients orally and in writing, negotiating, drafting, and working collaboratively. The course focuses on the student’s role as a professional and enables the student to identify strengths and weaknesses for further professional development. Students will research and write on a range of related doctrinal issues, including business law, privacy law, international law, intellectual property, and constitutional law.

Surveys the legal aspects of international business transactions, including international sales contracts, international letters of credit, arbitration, regulation of international trade, restrictions on foreign investment, U.S. laws relating to international business regulations, customs and import tax considerations, protection of foreign investments, and related matters.

This course will examine the legal and practical issues that arise in connection with mergers and acquisitions of U.S. businesses. More specifically, the course will be divided into two sections. The first part of the course will examine the techniques used to accomplish merger & acquisition transactions and the legal rules relevant to these transactions. The second part of the course will shift to a transactional perspective and students will engage in a simulated merger or acquisition transaction.

Studies various aspects of real estate development, including contracts of sale, buyer-seller rights and obligations, title insurance, Torrens System, and recordation of title. The course includes a comprehensive study of mortgages, including use of mortgages as a security interest in real estate, equitable mortgages, foreclosures, and rights of redemption. Other topics covered include surveys, contracts for deed, and mechanics’ liens.

Covers the creation and perfection of consensual liens known as “security interests” in personal property under Article 9 of the U.C.C., proceeds and priorities problems, remedies and default, repossession and disposition of collateral. This area of law is widely used in business, commercial and consumer transactions of all types, including bank financing, mergers and acquisitions, and the sale of business, agricultural, and consumer goods on credit.

This survey course will provide students with a unique perspective on many facets of the start-up business enterprise—from creation and capitalization of the business entity to skills needed for day-to-day business operations. Topics include strategic planning, entity choice and governance, financing, human capital, intellectual property, marketing, and exit strategies. A goal of the course is to assist students to succeed as business lawyers, business leaders, and business owners.

This skills course teaches negotiation, drafting, and advocacy in both the transactional and litigation contexts. The focus is on how lawyers represent clients in negotiating and drafting contracts and settlement agreements. The course also covers ethical issues arising in lawyering. Examples are drawn from a variety of contexts, including business, consumer rights, public affairs, intellectual property, real estate, and litigation, and applied through simulations, short case studies, exercises, and class discussion.