Program Overview

Program Overview

The Financial Analysis and Valuation for Lawyers program is designed to help attorneys navigate financial situations to increase profitability and minimize risk. This online course, taught by Harvard Law School faculty, provides a fundamental understanding of the finances behind a deal or dispute, including how to read and analyze financial statements or use financial concepts to value a business, patent, or marital estate.

Program Details

• Course Length: 6 weeks
• Time Commitment: 3–4 hours a week
• Certificate Price: $1,600
• Enrollment Deadline: January 29, 2026
• Class Dates: February 4 - March 18, 2026

Program Objectives

The program aims to teach legal professionals how to:

• Interpret and use financial data
• Make a business case for a deal or lawsuit
• Understand when and how experts can support or undermine their work

Course Structure

The course consists of 6 modules, covering topics such as:

• Understanding Financial Statements
• Analyzing Financial Statements
• Valuation Using Comps
• Discounting and Cost Capital
• Forecasting and Discounted Cash Flow Modeling
• Valuation Disputes and Advocacy

Faculty

The program is taught by experienced faculty, including:

• Bala G. Dharan, Robert B. and Candice J. Haas Visiting Professor and Senior Lecturer at Harvard Law School
• John Coates, John F. Cogan, Jr. Professor of Law and Economics at Harvard Law School
• Industry experts, including Ken Feinberg, Leo Strine, and Matt Schaefer

Learning Requirements

• There are no prerequisites to enrolling in this course
• Participants must thoughtfully complete all 6 modules, including satisfactory completion of the associated quizzes, by stated deadlines

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Course Completion from Harvard Online, as well as a Certified Electronic Credential.

Technical Requirements

• The course is designed to work on an internet-connected desktop or notebook computer running either the Chrome or Firefox browser
• A broadband internet connection is highly recommended to access the rich media in the program

Program Policies

• Discounts are available for past participants of select Harvard Online courses
• Participants who have earned a verified certificate for a HarvardX course hosted on the edX platform are eligible to receive a discount
• The program is designed to be self-paced, but participants must complete all coursework within the stated deadlines

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Are there discounts available for this course?
  • A: Yes, discounts are available for past participants of select Harvard Online courses and for learners who have earned a verified certificate for a HarvardX course hosted on the edX platform.
• Q: Can I work ahead of the course pace?
  • A: Yes, participants are free to complete the modules at their own pace between the course start and end dates.
• Q: What are the learning requirements, and how are grades assigned?
  • A: Participants are expected to fully complete all coursework in a thoughtful and timely manner. No grades are assigned for Financial Analysis and Valuation for Lawyers. Participation will either be evaluated as complete or incomplete.