printer friendly pageLAW 465: Venture Capital I
This course introduces the operation of the venture capital industry from both a theoretical and practical perspective. The course tracks the start-up process from initial formation of a new venture through its private capitalization, the navigation of typical operational or strategic hurdles/milestones, and potential exit through merger/acquisition or initial public offering. The class will analyze each step in the process from the perspective of the business entity, of the founder-employees, and of the venture backers. It also will consider the incentive mechanisms and control structures used at each step of the transaction (and alternatives to these structures), with a focus on both the underlying economic and financial theory, as well as on pragmatic considerations in structuring the transactions. Students are required to complete a term sheet negotiation exercise, participate in class discussions and related short assignments, and sit for an examination. Special Instructions: some modest background in financial analysis or Excel, such as might be obtained in QM finance (
Law 467), is recommended for this course. Elements used in grading: Class participation/assignments, term sheet negotiation exercise written summary, and the final exam (In-School, Essay and Objective, closed book).
Terms: Win
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Rodkin, J. (PI)
;
Siciliano, D. (PI)
LAW 467: Quantitative Methods: Finance
The time value of money. Present and future value analysis; discounting; net present value; IRR; bond valuations; and a critique of other project valuation methods. Diversification, the risk-return trade-off, portfolio performance measurement, and market efficiency. Arbitrage and tax considerations. Emphasis is on applications in legal settings.
Last offered: Winter 2009
LAW 467: Quantitative Methods: Finance
This course covers several of the central ideas in modern finance with a particular focus on the time value of money. Topics include present value and future value analysis, discounting, net present value, "IRR", bond valuations, and a critique of other project valuation methods. Along with a brief overview of "market fundamentals" and an introduction to the vocabulary of modern "popular finance" (as found in such publications as the Wall Street Journal), additional topics will include diversification, the risk-return trade-off, portfolio performance measurement, and market efficiency. Issues of arbitrage and tax considerations will be considered as time allows. Each topic is introduced with an emphasis on applications in legal settings. The course is intended to provide those students that have very little or no background in finance with the essential vocabulary, tools, and insights to spot "finance related issues" in various legal practice areas. The problem sets, class discussions, and applied hypotheticals should allow students to develop the skills necessary to ask the right questions when confronted with problems that involve elements of modern finance. Special Instructions: You are expected to have little or no background in finance or related areas prior to taking this course. Required math skills are very modest (low-level high school algebra, at most) and students will rely mainly on the use of Excel and/or financial calculators for simple calculations. Elements used in grading: Class participation, written assignments/problem-sets and final exam (In-School: closed book, objective).
Terms: Win
| Units: 2
Instructors:
Siciliano, D. (PI)
LAW 468: Statistical Inference in Law
Drawing an inference from quantitative evidence lies at the heart of many legal and policy decisions. This course provides the tools, concepts, and framework for lawyers to become sophisticated consumers of quantitative evidence and social science. Unlike traditional statistics courses, it will be taught using substantive case law as a springboard for considering quantitative evidence. No background, beyond high school algebra, is assumed, but students are required to learn basic statistical programming. Elements Used in Grading: Class participation, attendance, problem sets. Attendance is required to retain a seat in class.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 3
Instructors:
Ho, D. (PI)
LAW 468: Statistical Inference in Law
Tools, concepts, and framework to become consumers of quantitative evidence and social science. Case law as a springboard for considering quantitative evidence.
Last offered: Winter 2009
LAW 470: Originalism's Alternatives
Competing methods for interpreting constitutional text. Alternatives within originalist methodology and alternatives to originalism, such as common-law reasoning, moral readings, democratic themes, foreign sources, and judicial minimalism. Focus on judicial decision making. Justifications for treating ancient constitutional text as law, the formal amendment process, defenses of judicial review, and influences on judicial behavior aside from interpretive method.
LAW 470: Contemporary Issues in International Criminal Justice Reading Group
This Reading Group will foster discussions around the law, institutions, and actors that constitute the system of international justice. Students will focus on current situations and cases before the International Criminal Court with an eye toward tracking jurisprudential developments as well as the evolving political environment in which the Court operates. Elements used in grading: Class Participation, Attendance.
Terms: Spr
| Units: 1-2
Instructors:
Van Schaack, B. (PI)
LAW 471: Constitutional Law: Freedom of Speech
A survey of First Amendment law, including a close study of text, the drafting and ratification process, and the development of modern First Amendment theory. The course will explore the multiple participants in the speech process, including the speaker, hearer, publisher, target and regulator, and ask why the law favors certain participants over others. The evolution of Supreme Court case law will be analyzed historically, with special emphasis on the relationship between free speech and democracy,
Last offered: Spring 2013
LAW 471: Constitutional Law II: Free Speech
Speech, press, and associational rights under the First Amendment. Focus is on case law; attention to normative theory, emerging controversies, and empirical questions. Topics include sedition and suspected sleeper cells, government secrets and journalist privileges, personal privacy and reputational injury, communications network access and FCC indecency regulation, racist and sexist speech and associations, commercial advertising and trade secret protection, campaign financing, and Internet regulation.
LAW 472: Externship Companion Seminar
The practice of public interest law - whether in the criminal or civil context or a government or non-profit setting - requires an attorney to consider a host of issues distinct from one in private practice. How should decisions be made about priorities with limited resources? Where an organization has a broad social justice mission, where does litigation on behalf of individual clients or a group of clients fit in? Prior to initiating litigation or advancing a defense, what quantum of evidence should an attorney require? What role, if any, should an attorney's personal beliefs play in a course of representation? Through directed supervision of their externships in prosecutors', public defenders' or civil non-profit and government offices, as well as participation in weekly seminars, students will evaluate such questions in the context of their practical experience. Students are required to write weekly reflection papers of 3 to 5 pages and a 10-15 page paper at the end of the course. Elements used in grading: Attendance, class participation, weekly reflection papers and final reflection paper. .
Terms: Aut, Win, Spr
| Units: 2
Instructors:
Steele, J. (PI)
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