Sponsored with the Business Law & Financial Services Concentration

Date: Thursday, March 18, 25, April 1 and 8 2010

Location: Suffolk University Law School, 120 Tremont St., Boston, MA
Time: 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Calvin Coolidge once said, "… the chief business of the American people is business.” Attorneys play a special role in the growth and development of American business by advancing the business interests of their clients within the rule of law. Attorneys need to know and understand how businesses operate, how deals are made, the most important issues in contract negotiations and about the various roles lawyers can play. If you are running your own practice, you will also gain an understanding of the business aspects and how to be successful.

Business Deals/Business Skills is a four session program to assist new attorneys, those in transition, and those wishing to beef up their business acumen, with an understanding of the basic business concepts, financial components, and other issues arising in the practice of business law. Our program is staffed by experienced attorneys and business professionals who will present their respective topics in a practical and effective manner reviewing key definitions and providing practical insights on the practice of business law.

• Learn how to read a financial statement and understand financing terms

• Gain an appreciation for the role of the P/L manager

• Learn how to integrate your legal skills with business strategy and goals

• Learn how to “move” the deal along to closing

• Understand the team approach for legal/finance/management in achieving business goals

Session I: The Business World

Thursday, March 18, 2010, 4-7:00 p.m.
Panelists: David Bergers, Laurie Flynn, Thomas Maffei, George Moker & William Wise

• Management’s Mindset and Its Impact on the Organization-including operations, strategic planning and execution; and the company culture

• Capital Structure Basics: may include debt, equity, option plans, and other sources of cash flow to fund the company’s operation and growth strategies

• Government Oversight: What you should know about the role of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the rules of the stock exchanges

• Applied Legal and Business Ethics: What you should know about the field of legal compliance and business ethics in a company setting?

Session II: Financial Statements and Other Finance Matters

Thursday, March 25, 2010, 4-7:00 p.m.
Panelists: Peri Ann Aptaker, John J. Concannon, Kevin M. Flaherty and Jeffrey Lipshaw

• What Are the Different Forms of Financial Reports?

• What Is the Best Way to Read a Financial Report – What's Important, Where Do I Focus My Attention?

• Where Do I Find the Rules for Preparing Financial Reports?

• What Are GAAP and Non-GAAP Accounting Principles?

• How Lawyers and Auditors Interact—Responses to Audit Letters

• How Are Financial Statements Used in Acquisition Agreements

Session III: Contracts-Getting the Deal Done

Thursday, April 1, 2010, 4-7:00 p.m.
Panelists: Mary Clare Decker, Kevin Maguire and Robert P. Tedesco

• Pregame: Client’s Big Ticket Items
• The Contract Process: The Machine
• Key Deal Terms: Sample Language
• Risk Allocation Terms: Indemnity, Limited Liability, Warranty
• Attorney Negotiation: What Works and What Doesn’t

Session IV: Deal Skills

Thursday, April 8, 2010, 4-7:00 p.m.
Panelists: Sarah N.A. Camougis, John McCarthy and Richard M. Perlmutter

• How to use Letters of Intent or Memorandum of Understanding

• Use of Risk Reduction Provisions in Acquisition Agreements (i.e., Representations and Warranties, Covenants, Closing Conditions, Termination Rights, Indemnities, Holdbacks/Escrows and Guarantees)

• Negotiation Strategies: What Is My Role in the Negotiation Process?

• Role of Due Diligence in Negotiation Process

• Role of External Auditor in the Negotiation Process