LITIGATION AND ADVOCACY:
PARTNERSHIP AND SHAREHOLDER DISPUTES

Many businesses are owned by more than one person. Even privately owned businesses can be owned or managed by dozens of people. Naturally, disagreements arise in connection with the operation of a business. However, allegations of oppressive or unlawful conduct can lead to bitter litigation between owners, partners, or shareholders—putting the future, expansion, control, or even dissolution of a business into question.

Significant disputes between partners or shareholders may arise at any point in the life of a business, from disputes during the formation of the company to disagreements over its dissolution. Disputes requiring formal dispute resolution or litigation may include those related to:
 
• Claims of misappropriation of trade secrets
• Profit distributions
• Business mismanagement
• Business dissolution and buyouts
• Fraud
• Breach of fiduciary duty claims
• Breaches of contract
• Shareholder/partner disputes

A good shareholder agreement, along with experienced legal counsel, can go a long way toward preventing disputes from arising in the first place and in keeping disputes from escalating into court battles where no one really wins in the end. Our knowledge of contract and corporate law enables us to formulate creative and effective claims and/or defenses. The business litigation attorneys at SSP understand the risks to businesses in partnership or shareholder disputes. Our detailed focus helps us identify viable solutions, while seeking to minimize any legal or financial impact.