Email link: blpinfo@wcl.american.edu
Business Law Program
The Business Law Program at the American University Washington College of Law includes an extensive curriculum, a number of student organizations, countless events throughout the year, and a full scholarly program. With over 150 different course offerings in business law and related fields, covering topics from antitrust to Regulation Z and everything in between, the curriculum aims to offer every course relevant to practicing business law, domestically and internationally, in the twenty-first century. Experiential learning in clinics and externships, both on the transactional and the litigation sides of practice, gives students what they need to develop and mature as budding lawyers.
Outside the classroom, students can compete in transactional and negotiation meets, network with employers and alumni, and participate in the business-related arbitration and securities moots. The BLP is large and vibrant and is always looking for and developing new opportunities. The Advisory Council on Business Law ensures that the BLP remains forward-looking, innovative, and remains connected to major networks in private practice, the corporate world, and government.
To learn more about what the Business Law Program has to offer, watch our virtual Business Law Orientation here.
Featured News & Events
The Exploding Digital Asset Market Structure and Evolving Regulatory Framework and Challenges in 2026
American University Washington College of Law’s Business Law Program, Digital Asset Law Program, Digital Asset Law Project, and the AU Business Law Review will host a timely discussion on the rapidly evolving market structure, legal landscape, and regulatory compliance issues shaping digital‑asset activities.
Guarding Against the Coming Crypto Market Implosion
18 Dec, 2025
There is an exploding and innovative crypto market structure in this country that has been accelerated by President Trump’s asserted promise to make America “the crypto capital of the world” by adopting new “pro-innovation” policies toward digital assets and other blockchain technologies. These policies arguably position the U.S.
Business Law Program and AU Kogod School of Business Co-Sponsor Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr presenting concerns about lax U.S. bank regulation
18 Nov, 2025
On November 18th, 2025, the Business Law Program and the American University Kogod School of Business co-sponsored an event featuring Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr. Governor Barr spoke about the Fed's role in ensuring banks operate in a safe and sound manner, raising concerns about lax bank supervision given the recent deregulation initiatives undertaken by the FDIC, OCC, and CFPB. A full transcript of the speech is available here.
Professor Benjamin M. Leff breaks down the head-on collision between free speech and tax law - “Taxes for the Masses” Podcast
26 Oct, 2025
On October 26, 2025 “Taxes for the Masses” hosts Lisa De Simone and Bridget Stomberg welcomed American University Washington College of Law Professor Benjamin M. Leff to discuss a recent change to the Johnson Amendment. Leff describes the issue as a free speech doctrine colliding headfirst with a tax doctrine, creating advantageous loopholes in the world of tax-deductible political speech. The full episode can be found by clicking here.
Business Law Review, Business Law Faculty and Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the Delaware Court of Chancery focus on the legal intricacies in M&A transactions
24 Oct, 2025
On October 24th, 2025, the Business Law Review hosted "M&A Unlocked," a day-long symposium focused on the legal intricacies and strategic considerations involved in M&A transactions. Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick of the Delaware Court of Chancery delivered the keynote remarks, discussing the Court's role in M&A disputes and its unique role in shaping business law jurisprudence. Multiple Business Law Program faculty members participated in panels throughout the day, including:
- Professor Andrew J. Sherman, Moderator, Fireside Chat Keynote
- Professor David Snyder, Moderator, Cross-Border M&A Panel
- Professor Steven Shapiro, Moderator, Due Diligence in M&A Transactions Panel
- Professor V. Gerard Comizio, Moderator, Valuation and Financing in M&A Transactions Panel
- Professor Walter Effross, Moderator, Post-Merger Integration Panel
Fresh Insights from Business Law Program Faculty
The Continuum of Contractual Commitment, forthcoming in 53 Pepperdine Law Review (2026) by Professor David Snyder
Digital Asset Law: The Evolving Legal and Regulatory Framework, Second Edition (2026), Wolters Kluwer/Aspen Law by Professor V. Gerard Comizio
La Revolucion de las Criptomonedas: Un Sueno Libertario, Vanguardia Dossier (July/Sept. 2025) by Professor Hilary Allen
International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation Observatory for the Protection of Taxpayers’ Rights, National Report of the United States (May 30, 2025) by Professor Christine Speidle
Professor Hilary Allen publishes Fintech Dystopia: A Summer Beach Read about Silicon Valley Ruining Things (Summer 2025)
Professor Hilary Allen publishes Fintech Dystopia: A Summer Beach Read about Silicon Valley Ruining Things (Summer 2025)