Professor Ann F. Thomas

Businesses today take many different legal forms. Limited liability companies, subchapter S corporations, not-for-profit foundations, professional corporations, and limited partnerships are now viable alternatives to business corporations, joint ventures, general partnerships, and sole proprietorships. This course focuses on the lawyer’s role in planning the choice of the structure for the closely held enterprise. Examines the tax, organizational, governance, and financial features of different business structures and their advantages and disadvantages over time. In addition, each student chooses a different industry or profession to study through library research and interviews with individuals working in the field. Three short writing assignments and a class presentation will be required. Enrollment limited. Satisfies the Writing Requirement. Prerequisites: Corporations (BUS210) or equivalent and Federal Income Tax: Individual (TAX100). Open to LL.M. candidates after J.D. students have been accommodated