The Eiffel tower standing over Paris

Paris Professional Seminar

April 14-18, 2025

Get the Deal Done! Cross-border M&A for Global Executives and Lawyers

In this one-week, business-oriented professional seminar tailored to global executives and lawyers—and hosted in Columbia University’s historic Reid Hall—examine the unique dynamics that shape complex cross-border M&A transactions.

Columbia Law School’s Columbia Paris Professional Seminar is designed for global business managers; it is also open to business lawyers and others with at least a first university degree. Over 16 hours of interactive, non-credit instruction, you will receive a practical introduction to the key issues that define cross-border deals structured under New York law, and to the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in deal making. 

About the Program

In each of the four days of classes, you will get an interactive approach to understanding cross-border transactions, including through a 30-minute video interview with an executive experienced in the areas under discussion. 

The program begins with an overview of a deal cycle and explores the main themes that arise in international transactions, such as how to integrate political and regulatory considerations in the deal terms and balancing risk. Discussions then turn to the growing importance of ESG to the investment community, and its impact on deal making. The final sessions focus on corporations as “good actors,” and how to integrate ESG in the daily operation of businesses. Along the way, you will participate in a hands-on negotiation workshop based on the real-world break-up of a joint venture spanning multiple countries in Latin America.


This Columbia Law School Professional Seminar is designed for global corporate managers, with international business lawyers and other professionals welcome as well.  The material is approached from the perspective of a non-U.S. executive who wishes to understand the key factors at play in complex cross-border transactions that arise in the U.S., or with U.S. counterparts, or simply under NY law.  (Most major cross-border M&A transactions are governed under NY law, regardless of the jurisdiction of the parties or the target.)

You will receive 16 hours of interactive, non-credit instruction over a period of four days from Monday through Thursday.  No classes are scheduled for Friday, to encourage exploration of the City of Lights, but a closing reception will held that evening at which Certificates of Participation will be distributed.

Key Points

WhatA total of 16 hours of in-person instruction, taught over the course of a single abbreviated week, on the topic of: Get the Deal Done! Cross-Border M&A for Global Executives and Lawyers. Receive an official Statement of Participation.
WhereColumbia University's historic Reid Hall, located at 4, Rue de Chevreuse in Paris' vibrant 6th arrondissement
WhenApril 15-19, 2024
WhoThis business-oriented course is designed for global corporate managers.  International business lawyers and other professionals are welcome to attend as well.
Cost, Deposit, and PaymentThe program fee is $2,000.  Special discounts may apply to affiliates of Columbia Law School affiliate institutions.  Please inquire for more information.
HousingAccommodation is not included, and must be independently managed by participants.  Special arrangements may be available from nearby hotels.  Please inquire for more information.
CancellationRefunds may be available in limited circumstances.  Please see FAQs for more information.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected].