Legal Foundations for Entrepreneurs (Coursera)

By its nature, the law touches on many aspects of entrepreneurship, making it an applicable and versatile topic of study. For aspiring entrepreneurs, it's important to understand how to form the business and work with the initial customers. For active entrepreneurs, there are critical considerations on employment law and operating policies. For everyone, the role that the law plays in managing the company, and its associated risks, must be properly understood to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

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With the aspiring and active entrepreneur in mind, this course focuses on the foundational elements of law. We'll begin with an introduction to the nature of law and modern legal systems and sources. Initial priorities, including what legal activities you may pursue on your own, versus when and how to select and work with an attorney, are explored. Business formation choices and considerations are also central points of discussion. Employments laws and liabilities are examined, with the closing topic being entering and existing your business.

"Legal Foundations for Entrepreneurs" is one of three courses in the "Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Specialization" by Coursera and the University of Maryland. This specialization explores the critical legal and business issues entrepreneurs face as they build and launch a new venture. Learners examine real-world scenarios and address legal and business issues from ideation to all of the important junctures along the path to success. Significant attention is placed on new venture formation, intellectual property management, and contracts and financing arrangements.

What You Will Learn

- Understand how the law influences the success of entrepreneurs.

- Know your options for establishing and managing a new company.

- Build awareness of employment laws and policies impacting entrepreneurs.

- Avoid the legal pitfalls that can encumber new and established entrepreneurial ventures.

Course 1 of 3 in the Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Introduction to Legal Foundations for Entrepreneurs

Get acquainted with the learning experience and course format, meet the faculty, and connect with classmates from across the globe.

Legal Fundamentals

WEEK 2

Mechanics of Business Formation

Organizing Your Business

WEEK 3

Employee Status

Employment Law and Liability

WEEK 4

Entering and Exiting Your Business

Next Steps

Legal Aspects of Entrepreneurship Specialization