KDEC 9220 - Negotiating International Business Transactions

Today a growing number of innovative companies are looking to conduct business outside of their domestic markets and are focusing on opportunities in emerging markets. Yet many of these companies have realized that sensitivity to socio-cultural challenges can be as important to the success of an international business transaction as understanding the underlying business, legal and regulatory implications. This workshop takes a hands-on, multi-disciplinary approach to learning the relevant set of skills needed to handle any cross-border business dealing, with a special focus on transactions in the Life Sciences and Technology sectors (digital products, data-driven technologies, etc.). The workshop offers training, through a mix of in-class real-world role-playing as negotiators and written exercises, in the practical drafting and advisory skills which are crucial to becoming an effective lawyer. The workshop will include the preparation by students of draft sections of the key legal documents provided, class discussion on drafting and negotiation strategy, and lecturer feedback. In particular, students will learn to negotiate targeted sections of key legal documents and to manage shared, different and conflicting interests. Although the class will focus on M&A, transactions such as service agreements or intellectual property licensing will be discussed. Topics such as international dispute resolution will be covered.

A basic understanding of contract law.

This fast-paced course will be taught in English. Students will be asked to prepare assignments for each session and come prepared to discuss them. Active discussion and reasoned debate will be strongly encouraged.