Law·Course
Law & Contracts
Legal foundations for business: legal systems, contract law, corporate law and dispute resolution
Part of the Business & Economics track — finish it for a verifiable diploma →
§ 01 — Orientation
New here?
What you'll be able to do, who this is for, how long it takes, and where to begin.
By the end, you will be able to
- 01Tell the world's main legal systems and sources of law apart.
- 02Draft and read a contract to protect your interests.
- 03Navigate corporate structures, rights, and liabilities.
- 04Choose a path for resolving a dispute.
- 05Spot legal risk in a business deal before it bites.
Who this is for
How long it takes
- Quick orientationSkim the opening module and the cheatsheet to get the shape of it.~2 h
- Full read-throughRead every article once, in order.~3 h
- Mastery pathRead, take the quizzes, and space out your reviews.~2 weeks
- APA
Stoa. (2026). Law & Contracts [Online course]. Stoa. https://stoa.school/course/law
- MLA
Stoa. “Law & Contracts.” Stoa, 2026, https://stoa.school/course/law.
- Chicago
Stoa. “Law & Contracts.” Stoa. Accessed September 1, 2026. https://stoa.school/course/law.
§ 02 — Curriculum
5 modules.
Each module is a small unit. Most read in sequence — but a determined reader can begin anywhere.
- M IFoundations of Law and Legal SystemsWhat law is, sources of law, legal systems of the world, legal families and their practical relevance for business5 articles
30 minBegin → - M IICorporate LawFormation and management of legal entities, corporate governance, shareholders’ rights, M&A5 articles
30 minBegin → - M IIIContract LawStructure and elements of a contract, types of contracts, performance and liability for breach5 articles
30 minBegin → - M IVPrivate International LawConflict-of-law rules, international treaties, cross-border transactions and investments5 articles
30 minBegin → - M VAsset Protection and Legal StructuresBusiness structuring for asset protection, trusts, foundations, estate planning5 articles
30 minBegin →
§ 03 — Learning outcomes
4 outcomes.
Understand the main legal systems of the world and the sources of law applicable to business relations.
Draft, analyze, and apply contractual arrangements to protect business interests.
Navigate corporate structures, participants’ rights, governance arrangements, and responsibilities.
Select and apply mechanisms for resolving business disputes, including litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
§ 04 — Practices