COURSE DESCRIPTION 2012 2013

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Accounting for Lawyers

Mr. Kevin Wall,

3 credits day; 3 credits evening. The course is taught using minimal lectures relying instead on the Socratic Method as well as the use of short accounting and finance problems. Students are also introduced to financial analysis of publicly traded companies. Students must complete an extensive, "hands on" financial analysis project for a public company and its competitors utilizing traditional and online research techniques. There is a final examination; the aforementioned project and class participation is graded. Topics discussed in the course include accounting and finance concepts, statistical and financial analysis and the opportunity to develop an understanding of some of the online data services used to analyze the financial and operating results of a business. Financial Services and other students interested in understanding the issues of accounting, finance, auditing, and financial reporting commonly encountered by attorneys. The course begins with an introduction to the objectives and the mechanics of financial reporting and accounting. In addition to the traditional textual and case materials, we examine in detail the financial statements of a local publicly traded company including the balance sheet, income statement, statement of shareholder's equity, statement of cash flows, footnotes and management disclosure and analysis. We will also perform fundamental comparative financial analysis from an investor's viewpoint on several companies during the course to determine each company's financial strengths and weaknesses. The course also addresses the relationship between lawyer and auditor and reviews and analyzes recent financial reporting and financial scandals and audit failures. There will be a mid-term and final exam, representing 20% and 80% of the course grade, respectively.

Elective Course

Meets Financial Services Concentration Requirements

Final Exam Required