Abstract: A method for tracking and approving legal expenses incurred by a business entity using a legal budgeting computer system is provided. The method includes creating a legal matter reflecting legal work to be performed by an outside counsel, creating a purchase order for the legal matter including a budgeted amount which is expected to be paid to the outside counsel for performing the legal work, receiving from the outside counsel an invoice, and prompting an account manager to designate a method of reimbursement for the invoice including at least one of paid at close, charge to good faith, charge to loan, customer to wire money, and a non-reimbursable charge to cost center. The method also includes submitting the invoice to an approval process, validating the approved invoice amount, paying the approved invoice amount, and automatically reconciling the approved invoice amount.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting due diligence are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises identifying data that will be used to assemble at least one standard documentation file, at least one data collector to collect the identified data and a time for collection of the identified data. The identified data is received and stored and the effectiveness of the data collection is evaluated. The standard documentation file is then assembled.

Abstract: Methods and systems for executing and financing transactions of goods and commodities as an insulated parent company are described. The method includes the steps of incorporating wholly owned subsidiary companies to handle trading and financing issues, approving sellers to participate according to a seller participation agreement, approving buyers to participate according to a buyer participation agreement, and securing capital to facilitate financing through a financing subsidiary.