LAW-30112 - Module Specification
School of Law
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module will provide a practical approach to advising businesses at the start of trading and during their lifetime. It will cover the key aspects of trading as a sole trader, unlimited partnership, LLP or company including legal and other obligations on owners/partners/directors/shareholders (as applicable). The module will provide a foundation level understanding of commercial law and will be particularly helpful for students who wish to pursue a career in professional legal practise.

To provide a practical understanding of how best to advise commercial clients on business operations including start-up, governance, finance, liability and closure.
The module will build on the legal foundations established through the core LLB.
The module is intended to have wide appeal but will be particularly relevant to students who wish to pursue a career in professional legal practice (especially those intending to work in areas of law with a commercial focus).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Advise a hypothetical client of the advantages and disadvantages of operating as a sole trader, unlimited partnership, LLP or company (including commercial and legal requirements and documentation).: 1
Understand and explain to a hypothetical client the "lifecycle" of a business including start-up, management, finance, liability and closure.: 1
Provide commercially sound advice in connection with the following matters:
the importance of a partnership agreement and recommended provisions;
the significance of a shareholders' agreement and recommended provisions;
astute corporate governance including discussion of constitutional documentation and directors' duties; and
company asset/share sales including process and documentation.: 1

Study hours

Introductory lecture: 1 x 1 hour
In person lectures: 9 x 1 hour
Workshops: 9 x 2 hours
Workshop Prep: 9 x 4 Hours
Revision lecture: 1 x 1 hour
Self study hours will be used in working through preparatory reading and drafting of advice to be used in the workshops and revision for the assessment.
It is expected that students will spend approximately 6 hours in total completing the OOBA.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment