Company Formation
This includes the legal requirements and procedures for incorporating a company, such as registering with the appropriate authorities, drafting articles of association, and issuing shares.
Board and Shareholders' Meetings
Company secretarial law governs the rules and procedures for conducting board meetings, general meetings, and annual general meetings. It includes matters like notice requirements, agenda preparation, voting procedures, and recording minutes of meetings.
Directors' Duties and Responsibilities
This area focuses on the legal obligations, fiduciary duties, and responsibilities of directors towards the company and its stakeholders. It covers areas such as duty of care, duty of loyalty, disclosure requirements, conflicts of interest, and board decision-making processes.
Corporate Filings and Disclosures
Companies are required to make various statutory filings and disclosures to regulatory bodies, such as annual financial statements, annual returns, and changes in company details (e.g., directors, shareholders, registered office). Company secretarial law encompasses the rules and timelines for these filings.
Share Capital and Shareholder Rights
This area deals with the issuance, transfer, and management of shares in a company, including the rights and obligations attached to different classes of shares. It covers matters like share allotments, share buybacks, share transfers, dividend payments, and shareholders’ voting rights.
Company Registers and Records
Companies must maintain certain registers and records as per legal requirements. These include registers of members, directors, charges, and debenture holders. Company secretarial law governs the maintenance, inspection, and updating of these registers.
Corporate Governance
This area focuses on the principles, practices, and structures that govern the relationship between the company’s management, board of directors, shareholders, and other stakeholders. It encompasses areas such as board composition, committees, executive compensation, risk management, and internal controls.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Companies must comply with various legal and regulatory provisions, such as company law, securities regulations, data protection laws, anti-money laundering regulations, and environmental regulations. Company secretarial law involves ensuring compliance with these requirements and advising on necessary actions.
Company Secretarial Practices and Procedures
This covers the day-to-day administrative tasks and procedures involved in maintaining company records, managing corporate documentation, and coordinating with various stakeholders. It includes matters like drafting resolutions, preparing board packs, managing share registers, and handling correspondence.