CORPFINTECH LAW & POLICY

Corporate and securities law are dynamic fields constantly responding to economic, political, and social developments. Financial innovations like Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, blockchain, initial coin offerings, and online gaming platforms force reexamination of existing legal doctrines like the definition of a security. Algorithmic trading and artificial intelligence challenge our notions of the meaning of knowledge/intent/scienter for purposes of securities fraud. Populist pressures revealed in episodes like GameStop alter our thinking about market manipulation. The rise of environmental, social, and governance investing, and the increasing emphasis on human capital management and diversity, equity, and inclusion prompt reassessment of the meaning of fiduciary duty. Increased shareholder concentration and crossownership raise antitrust concerns. This seminar will examine how corporate and securities law cope with highly-dynamic market developments. Throughout the course, we will develop an understanding and appreciation for the increasingly complex role of corporate law and lawyers in navigating an almost infinite range of challenges facing their clients, the legal system, and 21st century capitalism itself. Students will also have some input on the topics covered. PREREQUISITE: Corporations LIMITED WRITING REQUIREMENT OPTION: A limited number of students may be permitted to satisfy the upper-class writing requirement. ** A student who fails to attend the initial meeting of a seminar (designated by an (S) in the title), or to obtain permission to be absent from either the instructor or the Registrar, may be administratively dropped from the seminar. Students who are on a wait list for a seminar are required to attend the first seminar meeting to be considered for enrollment.