BLAP1194 | Business Law and Policy

How does this course relate to the programme curriculum: Does it develop on a prior course in the programme or is it a foundational or standalone course? This is a standalone course that is intended to complement students’ existing knowledge of law, and any legal or commercial work experience/internships that they have already had. Students should have completed at least an introductory course on Corporate Law, and should be familiar with basic business and economic concepts. Describe how you have approached the course. What have you included/excluded and why? Choice of materials: primary or secondary readings / case law; I have approached the course from two perspectives: First is from my position as a corporate client. I have seen how helpful it is for junior associates assigned to my matter to have a strong grasp of business and commercial concepts. My aim is to give young lawyers a head start on developing the commercial awareness that clients (and law firms) value. The second perspective is broader, and focuses on the rule of law. I would like young lawyers to understand the importance of clarity, consistency and fairness in making and enforcing regulations, and would also like them to understand the connection between good governance and good business. In taking a practical approach, I have included core concepts usually found in an MBA or Commerce syllabus, and will present these in the context of commercial legal practice. I have also included aspects of economics that are relevant to regulation. I have excluded detailed discussion of Indian and international case law, but will encourage discussion of current and proposed regulations.

Primary readings will include one text on public policy, and one text on core economic intuitions. Secondary materials will include publicly available online lectures, talks, articles and other resources. Describe your pedagogical method: lectures, Socratic discussion, seminar style discussion, response papers or group work, field work; The core of the class will be made up of guided discussion and simulation exercises following the “case study” method. The case study will be supported by: • required and optional readings • lectures delivered by the instructor • analysis, drafting and presentation exercises The case study is a stylized account of an Indian “agri-tech” company’s journey from “start-up” to “scale-up”. The case is framed as a series of requests for legal advice submitted to “Xenon Partners”, a fictional law firm based in Bangalore. The associated assignments simulate the experience of a young associate who is assigned to the client’s matters, and will include conducting research, writing client letters and internal memoranda, and making presentations.