Basic HTML Version
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