Law 794:  Doing Business in Latin America

For Latin America to grow, capital and investment are essential.  In the last decades, US lawyers have played critical roles in bringing some of the largest Latin American companies to market, issuing and, at times, restructuring billions of dollars of debt in the region, financing massive infrastructure projects, advising on mergers and acquisitions and influencing corporate law and governance. 

The goal of this survey class is to familiarize students with issues arising in a cross-border business practice.  We will consider select topics in light of the effect on capital raising and investment.  Select topics include sovereign debt and restructurings, problems of corruption in the region, structuring cross border financings and US sanctions in relation to Cuba and Venezuela.  

The intent is to introduce a holistic approach to representing clients in the region.  Some of the topics are quite complex and while the reading materials may contain a deeper dive into these topics, the class is a survey class and not an in-depth analysis of these topics.  Guest practitioners from the region may join us for some of the discussions.  Students are expected to read the materials and come with questions.  

Sequences and Prerequisites:  None.  Students need not have any prior familiarity with Latin America or language skills but an interest in the region, comparative law or cross border legal work matters. 

 Evaluation:  Take home open book final exam (90%) and class attendance and participation (10%).