How do I become a corporate secretary in the USA?

To become a corporate secretary, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and previous work experience in an office setting. You may also obtain an associate degree in business administration or an administrative certificate to improve your job prospects.

Is CS good for corporate Law?

Yes, lawyers can pursue a company secretaryship degree to explore diverse opportunities. Companies often prefer individuals with both legal and company secretary qualifications to efficiently manage their affairs.

What are the key topics covered in the course?

Topics include the American legal system, corporate governance, securities laws, entity registration, corporate taxation, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate litigation.

Do I need any prior knowledge of US corporate law?

While prior knowledge is beneficial, the course is structured to provide a comprehensive introduction, making it accessible to those new to US corporate law.

Will I receive any certification upon completion?

Yes, participants will receive a certificate of completion, which can enhance their professional credentials.

How can this course benefit my career?

The course provides specialized knowledge and skills that are valuable for roles such as company secretary, chartered accountant, corporate lawyer, and compliance officer.

What practical skills will I gain?

You will learn to navigate the US legal system, manage corporate governance, handle entity registration, conduct mergers and acquisitions, and ensure compliance with corporate regulations.

US Corporate Law for Company Secretaries and Chartered Accountants Course

Module 1: Theories of Contract Law
- What is a Contract?
- Difference between Contract and Agreement
- Importance of a Written Contract
- Introduction to Contract Drafting
- Essential Features of a Well Drafted Contract
Module 2: Elements of a Valid Contract
- Components of a Contract
- Consideration
- Damages for Default
- Pre-Contractual Agreements
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Drafting of Agreements
- Definition Clause, Disadvantages of using a Template
- Primary Focus of a Draftsperson
- Effective Date of a Contract
- Identification of Parties Clause and Recitals Clause
- Territory of Operation
- Operative Clauses
Module 3: Examining various types of negotiation to understand your power and influence capabilities
- Position bargaining
- Cooperative bargaining
- Constructive negotiation
- “Getting to Yes”: Principled negotiation
- Separate the people from the problem
- Focus on interests, not positions
- Invent options for mutual gain
- Insist on using objective criteria
- Examples of how these techniques are used in practice
- Discover the skills of a strong negotiator
- Integrity and reputation
- Communication skills and persuasion
- Frame of mind and creativity
- Consider how this could be adapted to your situation
- Tactics and tricks to fast-track your journey and improve your confidence
- Helpful tips and negotiating tactics
- Miscommunication issues that often arise, how to foresee and address them
- Dirty tricks and how to combat them
- Proceeding to agreement – your role as a contract manager
- Understanding your role as a contract manager in the negotiation process
- Closing the negotiation
- Documenting the agreement
Module 4: The role of contracts in the commercial environment
- The purpose of contracts in business
- Why are they there?
- Why are they so important?
- What would happen if there wasn’t a contract?
- Examples of effective and ineffective contracts
- Review the definition of a legal agreement
- Representations
Module 5: Principles of contractual interpretation
- Why clarity and precision in drafting is paramount
- Structure and formatting of commercial documents
- Examples of clauses that are clear and in plain English
- Nature of the contract
- Subject of the contract
- Pricing mechanism
- Relationship between the parties
Module 6: Contract strategy and planning
- Determining your contracting strategy
- Appreciate the importance of getting the design accurate
- Ensure the contract is designed to support any ongoing issues that may impact during the term such as default, termination and disputes
- Foresee the active management of the principal-contractor relationships when varying aspects like price, deliverables, extensions
- Understand the use and amendment of standard form contracts
- Assessing and amending standards – how they can be adapted to suit your goals
- Techniques in adapting and modifying existing clauses
- When and how to start from scratch
- Parties to the contract
- Principal, contractors, sub-contractors etc
- JV and partnering structures
- Legal entities
- Privity of contract
Module 7: Payment & performance criteria
- Developing a contract scope – understanding the big picture and key criteria to be included
- Performance provisions
- Consider operational factors and performance risks
- Payment provisions
- Risk, liability & insurance
- Contractual risk allocation
- Warranties, indemnities, exclusions
- Consequential loss and contribution
- Insurance
Module 8: Default, termination & disputes
- Default
- Termination
- Disputes
- General provisions
- Interpretative provisions and jurisdiction
- Administrative provisions
- Ownership and intellectual property

Know the complete offerings of our US Corporate Law for Company Secretaries and Chartered Accountants Course