Business Law Essentials from Udemy

If you're a small business owner, entrepreneur or lawyer in a different field of law, this course is for you. You'll learn how to spot basic legal issues and get pro tips and hacks re how to handle them. Whether that means hiring a lawyer (and if so, what kind of lawyer and what questions to ask when you do) or considering doing it yourself - much more of an option for some things these days. And we'll cover the following topics-

Entity formation, i.e. sole proprietorship, partnership
Other labor & employment basics
Disputes and how to handle them
Fundraising documents including cap tables
Trademarks
Copyright, Patents, & Trade Secrets

The course will be approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes total. Throughout the course I'll recommend various do it yourself / do it inexpensively options. Including how to file a Del. C corp for basically free (other than government filing fees) and where to get the best free independent contractor agreement templates, for example. I'll also teach you how to protect yourself with things like entity formation, insurance and the right contract language.

You don't need any special software, tools or study guides to take this course. But you may want to take notes here and there on some of the resources I recommend throughout the course. And bring a "law won't intimidate me, I'm ready to learn how to ask lawyers good questions and spot important issues myself" mindset. Other than that, let's try to have a good time. Law can be dull but I try to make it more relevant and had fun making this course. Hope you do too.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Accomplish your legal and business objectives more quickly and cost effectively via online services
Learn how to do some things yourself (yes you can, sometimes... must be careful but sometimes you can)
Learn what to look for when hiring an attorney
Learn how to negotiate a fair fee for attorneys

Know what questions to ask when you do hire an attorney
Learn how to keep yourself protected
Learn the key things to look for when reviewing a contract

Accomplish your legal and business objectives more quickly and cost effectively via online services
Learn how to do some things yourself (yes you can, sometimes... must be careful but sometimes you can)
Learn what to look for when hiring an attorney
Learn how to negotiate a fair fee for attorneys
Know what questions to ask when you do hire an attorney
Learn how to keep yourself protected
Learn the key things to look for when reviewing a contract

Syllabus

Learn what entity (i.e. LLC, Corporation) might make sense for you and how to inexpensively form an entity.

Welcome. And general overview of the course.

Sole proprietorship, partnership, llc or corporation. Learn what's best and how to form an entity.

Have some sense of the factors impacting whether to classify someone as an independent contractor or employee. And consequences if you get it wrong.

How do I know whether to hire someone as a contractor or employee? In either case, I can I document everything cost effectively?

Identify key elements of contracts; learn how to draft contracts on the cheap; spot red flags.

The basics of contracts.

Other Labor and Employment Issues

Disputes and Litigation

Getting Investment

Trademarks

Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational knowledge of legal and business topics, which is highly relevant to small business owners and entrepreneurs

Provides practical tips and tricks for handling legal issues, empowering learners to make informed decisions

Covers a wide range of legal topics, from entity formation to intellectual property, providing comprehensive legal knowledge

Emphasizes the importance of protecting oneself with proper entity formation, insurance, and contract language

Taught by an experienced instructor, Stephen Kane, who provides valuable insights and industry-specific knowledge

Offers recommendations for do-it-yourself and low-cost options, making legal knowledge accessible to small businesses and entrepreneurs

Reviews summary

Law basics for start-ups

According to students, Business Law Essentials provides a useful foundation for entrepreneurs who are building or want to build start-ups. The course also helps learners become more confident when negotiating with lawyers.

Course is good for new businesses.

"I have founded two startups; this course helped me understand the foundation of legal elements."

"I feel more empowered now I have this good information to confidently venture out and also negotiate with Lawyers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Business Law Essentials with these activities:

Attend a local business networking event

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Build connections and expand your industry knowledge by attending a networking event.

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Identify and register for a relevant event
Prepare an elevator pitch
Connect with other professionals and exchange ideas

Explore online resources for legal research

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Expand your legal research skills by exploring and utilizing online resources.

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Identify reputable legal databases and websites
Learn how to use search engines effectively
Evaluate the credibility and relevance of online sources

Review Essential Concepts from Law School

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Refresh your memory on the foundations of law for better comprehension of the course.

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Review your notes and summaries from your law school courses, focusing on the topics that align with this course.
Take practice quizzes or mock exams to test your understanding.

Seven other activities

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Practice Basic Legal Vocabulary

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Review basic legal terms and definitions regularly to improve understanding and recall when encountering concepts.

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Create a vocabulary list of unfamiliar terms encountered during the lesson
Use flashcards or a spaced repetition system (SRS) to memorize the vocabulary list
Review the vocabulary list regularly, even after memorizing

Form a hypothetical business entity

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Solidify your understanding of entity formation by creating a hypothetical business entity and navigating the process.

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Choose a business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation)
Select a business name and register it with the relevant authorities
Draft articles of incorporation or organization
Obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS

Analyze Model Contracts and Documents

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Gain practical experience in analyzing legal documents to improve your ability to interpret and draft them effectively.

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Obtain sample contracts or legal documents related to the topics covered in the course.
Critically examine the structure, language, and provisions of these documents.
Identify key clauses and provisions, and analyze their legal implications.

Draft a sample contract

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Enhance your understanding of contract drafting by creating a sample contract for a specific business scenario.

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Identify the purpose and key terms of the contract
Choose an appropriate contract template or format
Write clear and concise language that covers all essential elements
Review and finalize the contract

Draft a Business Contract

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Apply the principles learned in the course by creating a draft business contract. This will provide valuable hands-on experience and strengthen your understanding.

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Choose a specific business scenario and identify the parties involved.
Research and determine the applicable laws and regulations.
Draft the contract, ensuring it includes essential elements and clear language.
Review and refine the draft, considering potential legal implications and loopholes.

Develop a legal compliance checklist

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Deepen your knowledge of legal compliance by creating a checklist that outlines key legal requirements for your business.

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Identify relevant laws and regulations applicable to your industry
Create a list of specific compliance requirements
Develop a system for monitoring and tracking compliance
Regularly review and update the checklist

Analyze legal case studies

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Develop your analytical and problem-solving skills by analyzing real-world legal case studies.

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Read and understand the facts and legal issues in the case
Identify the relevant laws and legal principles
Apply the law to the facts
Develop a reasoned argument
Write a brief or memo summarizing your analysis

Career center

Learners who complete Business Law Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Contract Manager

As a Contract Manager, you will be responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of contract law, how to identify key elements of contracts, and how to spot red flags. You will also learn how to draft contracts on the cheap and how to negotiate a fair deal. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work in contract management or who wants to learn how to better manage their own contracts.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst helps organizations improve their business processes and systems. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to identify and solve business problems, and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Business Analyst.

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Compliance Officer

A Compliance Officer helps organizations comply with laws and regulations. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to identify and mitigate risks, and how to develop and implement compliance programs. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work in compliance or who wants to learn how to better manage their own compliance program.

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Paralegal

A Paralegal provides legal support to lawyers and law firms. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to research and write legal documents, and how to manage a law office. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Paralegal.

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Intellectual Property Lawyer

An Intellectual Property Lawyer helps clients protect their intellectual property rights. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of intellectual property law, how to obtain and enforce patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and how to represent clients in court. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work as an Intellectual Property Lawyer.

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Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to manage people and resources, and how to improve efficiency and productivity. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an Operations Manager.

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Investment Banker

An Investment Banker helps companies raise capital. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to value companies, and how to structure and negotiate deals. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work as an Investment Banker.

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Corporate Lawyer

A Corporate Lawyer provides legal advice to businesses and organizations. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to negotiate and draft contracts, and how to represent clients in court. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Corporate Lawyer.

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Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to manage projects, and how to communicate effectively with stakeholders. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Project Manager.

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Small Business Owner

A Small Business Owner is someone who owns and operates their own small business. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to start and grow a business, and how to manage your finances and operations. This course is essential for anyone who wants to start their own small business or who wants to learn how to better manage their own small business.

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Sales Manager

A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and motivating a sales team to achieve sales goals. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to manage people, and how to develop and implement sales strategies. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Sales Manager.

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Risk Manager

A Risk Manager helps organizations identify and manage risks. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to identify and assess risks, and how to develop and implement risk management plans. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work in risk management or who wants to learn how to better manage their own risks.

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Tax Accountant

A Tax Accountant helps individuals and businesses comply with tax laws. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to prepare and file tax returns, and how to represent clients before the IRS. This course is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Tax Accountant.

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Entrepreneur

An Entrepreneur is someone who starts and runs their own business. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to start and grow a business, and how to manage your finances and operations. This course is essential for anyone who wants to start their own business or who wants to learn how to better manage their own business.

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Supply Chain Manager

A Supply Chain Manager is responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course will help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this role, including an understanding of business law, how to manage supply chains, and how to improve efficiency and productivity. This course will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as a Supply Chain Manager.

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