Finance for Lawyers

Note: Students who have taken the 3 credit course in ACCOUNTING FOR LAWYERS may not take this course.

This course covers financial and accounting issues commonly faced by practicing lawyers. It will teach you the basics of finance, including the present value of annuities, sinking funds, and amortization, as well as interest rates. It will also cover accounting issues commonly faced by practicing lawyers, including the basics of accounting under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (and International Financial Reporting Standards), how to read financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows), and unaudited financial statements. Practical exercises cover the use of such statements in family law, torts (for lost income or corporate valuation), corporate law, trust law, or simply running a law practice or small business. You will also learn how to use a financial calculator, as well as how to deal with forensic accountants and expert witnesses on accounting matters.