This course offers an opportunity to study the history, legal structure, and financial incentives of the startup economy while getting hands-on experience advising clients: Stanford founders building sustainability startups. The curriculum has three pillars: lectures and guest lectures outlining fundamental concepts and topics (including examining the role that startups can play in climate solutions), a simulation in which all students will represent "Model Corporation" throughout its early life cycle, and advisory work on actual startup client matters. For the client work, students will perform client intake, draft an initial scope of work, complete due diligence and make supplemental due diligence requests, make any necessary adjustments to scope of work, and ultimately deliver work product in the format most appropriate & valuable for the particular matter (typically drafted contracts related to formation, fundraising, and stakeholder involvement). Because of the nature of the client relationship the course relies on students' hard work, flexibility, and commitment to keeping pace with the material and assignments. The class will meet for two class sessions per week plus additional client meetings. Elements used in grading: Class Participation, Attendance, Written Assignments, and Client Deliverables. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS Registrar website https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. Click SUNetID Login in the top right corner of the page and then click the "Consent Courses" tab. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline. Cardinal Course certified by the Haas Center for Public Service.
4 units · Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
This course offers an opportunity to study the history, legal structure, and financial incentives of the startup economy while getting hands-on experience advising clients: Stanford founders building sustainability startups. The curriculum has three pillars: lectures and guest lectures outlining fundamental concepts and topics (including examining the role that startups can play in climate solutions), a simulation in which all students will represent "Model Corporation" throughout its early life cycle, and advisory work on actual startup client matters. For the client work, students will perform client intake, draft an initial scope of work, complete due diligence and make supplemental due diligence requests, make any necessary adjustments to scope of work, and ultimately deliver work product in the format most appropriate & valuable for the particular matter (typically drafted contracts related to formation, fundraising, and stakeholder involvement). Because of the nature of the client relationship the course relies on students' hard work, flexibility, and commitment to keeping pace with the material and assignments. The class will meet for two class sessions per week plus additional client meetings. Elements used in grading: Class Participation, Attendance, Written Assignments, and Client Deliverables. CONSENT APPLICATION: To apply for this course, students must complete and submit a Consent Application Form available on the SLS Registrar website https://registrar.law.stanford.edu/. Click SUNetID Login in the top right corner of the page and then click the "Consent Courses" tab. See Consent Application Form for instructions and submission deadline. Cardinal Course certified by the Haas Center for Public Service.
Offered in Autumn 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026 at Stanford University.