The Business Law Program is proud to offer students a vibrant array of curricular options. We check in on the two new courses and revamped third course offered this Spring semester by our wonderful Business Law faculty.
Cryptocurrencies
From its inception in 2008, cryptocurrencies have been a hot topic in the legal field. Law School Professor and Director of the Center for Health and Homeland Security, Michael Greenberger, guides students through the cryptocurrency market and the legal regulations (or relative lack of regulations) surrounding this still emerging novel currency.
Business Law Track 3L and student in Cryptocurrency, Nikisha Sisodiya ’24, was thrilled with the course saying, “Exploring cryptocurrencies in the new Cryptocurrencies class by Professor Greenberger has been very exciting! We're diving into how cryptocurrencies work and potential regulatory developments from the SEC and FTC. With the landscape constantly shifting, our discussions are not only academically enriching but also deeply rooted in real-world events. As we navigate through the regulations and innovations, I find myself learning a lot about the intersection of law and finance within the realm of cryptocurrencies.”
Keegan Farley ’24, another 3L Business Law Track member echoed Nikisha’s sentiment, “With a thoughtfully curated mix of books, cases, and news articles, Professor Greenberger guides our class through the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. The course explores not only the technical aspects but also the human stories behind digital assets. Whether we are discussing SEC regulation or the dramatic rise and fall of major cryptocurrency players, there is never a dull moment in class. I feel incredibly lucky to go to a law school that offers this unique course.”
Payment Systems
Jeff Sovern, Michael Millemann Professor of Consumer Law, leads students in another new course, Payment Systems. Sovern passionately describes the course and its importance to the practice of law, “Nealy all consumer and business transactions include a payment. Payments can be made in a variety of ways and which payment method is chosen can affect the rights of the parties. This course explores the mechanisms by which payments are made and the varying rules governing them, including credit cards, debit cards, Automated Clearinghouse transactions (e.g., direct deposit or withdrawals from bank accounts), crypto, mobile payments, online payments, and wire transfers.”
Business Law Track 2L, Ahmed Jackson ’25, was complimentary of both the course and Professor Sovern, “Professor Sovern brings great energy to the newly offered Payment Systems course. This course teaches you how to advise clients about the risks and benefits of using different payment mechanisms such as a credit card, debit cards, ACH payments, prepaid cards, checks, and wire transfers. If anyone is curious about the process of using these payment mechanisms, this class is a great foundation.”
Jacqueline Nowell ’24 attested to the course’s usefulness at Maryland Carey Law as well as Professor Sovern’s teaching prowess, “The information in the class will be helpful for anyone interested in knowing how to help clients who have questions about the implications of accepting various payment mechanisms. The professor does a great job of going into detail on the various payment systems while still making sure that the students are understanding the big picture.”
Consumer Protection Law
Though he has taught it many times before, this is the first time Professor Sovern is teaching Consumer Protection Law at Maryland Carey Law and his approach emphasizing student engagement in the classroom resonates with his students. Dean Marvastian ’25 volunteered, “Professor Sovern fosters productive classroom discussions where students collaborate in small groups on solving consumer issues from past cases to then share with the class. While students share their thoughts with the class, Professor Sovern asks questions based on the opinions and concerns of previous policymakers and judges. This enhances students' ability to think on their feet and effectively advocate on consumer issues.” Students work with a wide variety of legal sources: federal statutes, cases, regulations, and guidance as well as state statutes and cases. Consequently, students see how federal and state lawmakers work as both partners and, sometimes, antagonists, in formulating rules that govern consumer transactions. Students also study how effective—or ineffective—particular interventions have been and learn about different ideological approaches to consumer protection. Professor Sovern is just as thoughtful outside of the classroom. Marvastian continues, “Professor Sovern met most students in the class this semester, nonetheless, he has built a personal relationship with each of his students, asking them about their interests and goals while constantly making jokes and sharing funny stories from his personal life and about his relatives.”