Diploma in Corporate Law and Governance

Programme structure and approach to learning

This Diploma aims to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the law in relation to this changing sector, which has seen numerous changes since the introduction of The Companies Act 2014 and the recent commencement of The Companies (Corporate Enforcement Authority) Act 2021.

The course focuses on key events that occur throughout the lifetime of a corporate entity—those that solicitors commonly advise on—as well as the practical aspects of corporate governance. An innovative boardroom simulation workshop offers students an interactive opportunity to experience boardroom meetings and develop an understanding of effective board behaviour.

Programme objectives

On completion of this training programme, participants will have:

• A comprehensive understanding of corporate law & governance;
• Up-to-date knowledge of recent judicial decisions and legislative and procedural developments;
• An insight into the importance of the necessary skills and negotiating tactics used in a boardroom environment;
• An ability to analyse the essential transactional documentation in practice;
• Developed their capacity for independent learning.

Modules

Module 1: Introduction to corporate law and governance in Ireland

• Overview of the Companies Act 2014,
• Company life-cycle,
• Funding a start-up,
• Advising shareholders.

Module 2: Corporate governance

• Share capital and company status management,
• Corporate governance of regulated entities,
• Transactions involving directors,
• Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.

Module 3: Corporate transactions and ancillary matters

• Tax issues,
• Financing a transaction,
• Sectoral regulation,
• Share options.

Module 4: Mergers and acquisitions

• Share purchase agreements,
• Asset purchase agreements,
• Acting for the investor.

Module 5: Insolvency and corporate restructuring

• Insolvency and restructuring,
• Advising during receivership process,
• Winding-up process,
• Formal and informal restructuring,
• Boardroom simulation workshop.

Visit the course webpage for more information.