Law, Business, and Policy Strategy in the Startup Economy

This seminar explores the intersection of legal, business, and policy strategy in the startup economy. The class operates along two concurrent paths: First, under faculty supervision, students will act as if they were outside counsel to a Stanford-affiliated startup, learning the business and personal goals of the founder(s) and spotting the relevant legal and non-legal issues. Students will use formal analytical frameworks, including legal research, business strategy, policy strategy, and design thinking, to craft a comprehensive review of the startup's position within the applicable regulatory and business environment, and will present their strategy recommendations to the founder(s) and a panel of faculty and outside experts. Second, students will engage in a case-based exploration of complex legal, regulatory, and ethical issues that often occur in early stage companies. Through focused case studies, students will be required to spot issues, analyze potential outcomes, and make defensible recommendations for legal and business strategy. Issues covered will include corporate formation and capitalization, entering regulated marketplaces, supply chain ethics, employment and culture, and multi-jurisdictional scaling. Elements used in grading: Attendance, Class Participation, Written Assignments. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS website (Click Courses at the bottom of the homepage and then click Consent of Instructor Forms). See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline.