To help lawyers gain a practical, working knowledge of financial concepts, terminology, and documents, this new edition provides the know-how to translate a client's financial goals into practical legal solutions. Whether handling the sale of a company, negotiating a loan agreement, preparing disclosure documents, or handling securities cases, this book discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various methods, explains which valuation techniques are suitable for specific situations, and weighs the risks and rewards of creating value by acquisition.


This comprehensive resource provides detailed guidance on how to analyze the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement. With added chapters and updates to stay current with the ever-changing and complex rules, this guide will help you:





Understand the content and purpose of financial statements and the rules by which they are prepared

Identify and avert securities fraud by knowing how to analyze revenues

Learn the warning signs in gross margins, operating margins, and net margins

Recognize the degree of liquidity or illiquidity the balance sheet indicates

Assess a company’s financial leverage

Learn how to monitor a company’s operating, investing, and financing activities

Identify whether a company is an absorber or generator of cash

Explore the M&A process

And much more!


A detailed index and glossary of common terms and abbreviations and terms are also included.