LAW 1091: Private Equity and Hedge Funds
Spring 2023 • Section 01 • CRN 44728

Course Description

This course explores the role of private fund investors in global financial markets today. This course will focus on hedge funds and two types of private equity investors: venture capital and buyout funds. We will discuss the structure of private funds and investment strategies of private funds. We will also gain an understanding of private fund transactions and will focus on venture capital transactions involving portfolio companies. We will also discuss the regulatory environment for private fund investors, including with respect to the Securities Act of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and other relevant laws and regulations. We will discuss a number of other issues of current interest in the private fund arena, including issues related to diversity and inclusion and the role of pension fund investors in the private fund arena.

Students will complete class exercises and problem sets using Microsoft Excel or an equivalent spreadsheet application. Students will be required to participate in at least 2 team presentations on topics chosen by Professor Arewa related to private funds and serve on panel during 3 class sessions.

In addition to required class exercises, problem sets and presentations, students must complete one or more writing assignments or a team project. Students will have the option of (i) writing two short papers related to private funds on a topic selected by the student and approved by Professor Arewa; (ii) writing a longer single paper related to private on a topic selected by the student and approved by Professor Arewa; or (iii) working on a class project on a topic selected by the student team members and approved by Professor Arewa.

This course will be accessible to students with no prior knowledge of private funds. This class will use and further develop students' abilities in research on assigned course related current events topics, writing, analysis, problem-solving, and communication, including through required class presentations.

Book List/Materials