Clinical Legal Education: Externship - Mergers & Acquisitions Litigation (LAW398H1S)

Learning objectives:
This externship will provide students with the opportunity to examine issues that arise in the course of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and proceed to litigation. The course will be based on a hypothetical problem drafted by the instructors but modelled on real cases and current issues in M&A.

Placement Activities:
Students will meet with the instructors at regular intervals through the academic term (about every two weeks) and will be expected to draft memorandums, factums and other submissions. In addition to becoming familiar with the legal issues in the case, students will:

• consider the role of M&A in the life of a business and in the broader economy
• gain exposure to process issues that arise in the course of M&A litigation, including the roles of directors, investors, courts, and regulators;
• develop and refine arguments in anticipation of M&A litigation;
• undertake legal research and writing with regards to M&A litigation; 
• hone their skills in effective written and oral advocacy;
• develop their communication skills; and
• learn to effectively communicate and negotiate with opposing counsel on complex M&A litigation matters.

Students will be expected to attend the mandatory seminar for all students enrolled in externships. They will also be expected to devote on average 10 hours per week to the externship, with specific work hours to be determined on an individual basis. Note that the weekly time commitment is likely to fluctuate over the term. Some weeks may involve a significantly greater time commitment, whereas other weeks may involve significantly less.