ACCA · Applied Skills

Corporate and Business Law

Understand the legal framework that governs businesses, from contract law and employment law to company formation, capital, and insolvency. Essential legal knowledge for every accountant.

2 hours

Exam length

50%

Pass mark

Computer-Based Exam (CBE)

Format

Available on demand at ACCA exam centres

Sittings

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ACCA Corporate and Business Law

Corporate and Business Law (LW) is the first paper at the ACCA Applied Skills level. It develops an understanding of the general legal framework within which businesses operate, and of specific legal areas relating to business including the law of obligations, employment law, the formation and operation of companies, and insolvency.

The paper covers essential elements of the legal system, contract formation and breach, employment rights, company formation and constitution, share and loan capital, directors' duties, company meetings, insolvency, and corporate fraudulent behaviour.

LW is unique among ACCA papers in that it is available in country-specific variants (e.g., LW (ENG) for English law, LW (SGP) for Singapore law). Students should sit the variant relevant to their jurisdiction, as the legal principles tested are jurisdiction-specific.

Understanding business law is essential for accountants advising on company formation, commercial contracts, employment matters, and corporate governance. LW provides the legal knowledge needed for roles in practice, corporate finance, and compliance.

Learning outcomes

What you'll be able to do.

Identify the essential elements of the legal system including sources of law

Explain and apply the law of obligations including contract and tort

Explain the law relating to employment relationships

Describe the formation and constitution of business organisations

Explain capital and financing requirements for companies

Describe company management, administration, and insolvency procedures

LW-ENG Exam Syllabus

The LW-ENG syllabus covers the key topics you'll be examined on.

Essential Elements of the Legal System

Law and the legal system
Sources of law

The Law of Obligations

Formation of contract
Content of contracts
Breach of contract and remedies
The law of torts and professional negligence

Employment Law

Contract of employment
Dismissal and redundancy

The Formation and Constitution of Business Organisations

Agency law
Partnerships
Corporations and legal personality
The formation and constitution of a company

Capital and the Financing of Companies

Share capital
Loan capital
Capital maintenance and dividend law

Management, Administration and the Regulation of Companies

Company directors
Other company officers
Company meetings and resolutions

Insolvency Law

Insolvency and administration

Corporate Fraudulent and Criminal Behaviour

Fraudulent and criminal behaviour

Subscription includes

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Everything you get when you subscribe — across every ACCA paper, not just Corporate and Business Law.

Guided study plans

Week-by-week plans aligned to your sitting date — so you always know what to study next.

Video lectures

Full syllabus coverage from expert tutors, broken into focused 10-15 minute lessons.

CBE practice questions & mocks

Realistic computer-based exam questions and full mocks, marked with examiner-style feedback.

1-2-1 sessions

Book one-to-one time with a tutor for tricky topics, results reviews, or exam strategy.

Revision Bootcamp

Pre-sitting intensives to sharpen question technique and pin down high-mark topics.

Weekly student-support webinars

Drop-in calls where tutors walk through tough topics and answer questions live.

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ACCA LW-ENG Exam Structure

Everything you need to know about the LW-ENG exam format, timing, and what to expect on exam day.

Duration

2 hours

Format

Computer-Based Exam (CBE)

Structure

LW is a 2-hour computer-based exam (CBE) with two sections. Section A: 70 marks — a mixture of 20 one-mark and 25 two-mark objective test questions. Section B: 30 marks — 5 multi-task questions worth 6 marks each, with multiple tasks based on analysis and application of legal scenarios. All questions are compulsory. Total 100 marks; on-demand at ACCA exam centres; 50% pass mark.

Sittings

Available on demand at ACCA exam centres

Pass mark

50%

Your Guide To Pass ACCA LW-ENG

Expert tips from our tutors to help you prepare effectively and pass your LW-ENG exam on the first attempt.

Learn Legal Principles

Focus on understanding core legal principles and rules rather than memorising case names. The exam tests application of legal rules to scenarios.

Practice Scenario Questions

LW tests your ability to apply law to practical scenarios. Practice identifying the legal issues in a scenario and applying the relevant rules.

Cover Company Law Thoroughly

Company formation, directors' duties, and capital maintenance are heavily tested areas. Ensure you have a strong understanding of these topics.

Understand Contract Law

Contract formation, terms, and breach are fundamental topics. Be able to identify whether a valid contract exists and advise on remedies for breach.

Know Your Jurisdiction

LW is jurisdiction-specific. Make sure you are studying the correct variant (e.g., English law, Irish law, or your relevant jurisdiction) and understand the specific rules that apply.

Study with Learnsignal

Learnsignal provides structured LW courses with clear explanations of legal concepts, scenario-based practice, and expert tutor support.

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Frequently Asked Questions About LW-ENG

Everything you need to know about the Corporate and Business Law exam and how to prepare for it.

What is ACCA Corporate and Business Law (LW)?+

Corporate and Business Law (LW) is the first paper at the ACCA Applied Skills level. It covers the legal framework governing business operations, including contract law, employment law, company law, and insolvency.

How long is the LW exam?+

The LW exam is 2 hours long. It is a computer-based exam (CBE) consisting of objective test questions and multi-task questions based on scenarios.

When can I sit the LW exam?+

LW is available on demand at ACCA exam centres. You do not need to wait for specific exam sessions to sit this paper.

What are the LW country variants?+

LW is available in different country variants covering the specific laws of that jurisdiction. Common variants include LW (ENG) for English law, LW (IRL) for Irish law, and LW (SGP) for Singapore law. You should sit the variant relevant to where you intend to practise.

Is LW a difficult paper?+

LW can be challenging for students without a legal background, as it requires understanding and applying legal principles. However, the exam tests knowledge of specific rules and their application, so structured study and practice with scenario questions leads to success.

What is the pass mark for LW?+

The pass mark for LW is 50%. The exam is marked out of 100.

Do I need to know case law for LW?+

While key cases may be referenced in study materials to illustrate legal principles, the exam focuses on applying legal rules to scenarios rather than recalling specific case names or citations.

How does LW relate to other ACCA papers?+

LW provides the legal foundation for understanding corporate governance in Strategic Business Leader (SBL) and the regulatory environment in Audit and Assurance (AA) and Advanced Audit and Assurance (AAA).

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This page was last updated: 18 May 2026