Shareholder and Partner Disputes

One of the biggest threats to the stability of a business is conflict within management or among shareholders. A good shareholder agreement is essential for a business to run smoothly; it helps prevent disputes and keeps those that do arise from escalating into court battles.

The attorneys at Bruce D. Townsend can help prepare a shareholder or partner agreement for your business and advise you on related issues, including the following:

• the rights and obligations of majority and minority shareholders, officers and directors
• the need for protective procedures to be built into the business structure to ensure that officers and directors are discharging their duties in good faith and in the best interests of the corporation
• understanding corporate procedures and compliance, voting, resolutions, etc.
• conflict resolution: negotiation, mediation, and arbitration
• unfair or illegal actions, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, trade secrets, unfair competition
• employment questions of compensation, severance, pension benefits, stock plans, wrongful termination, non-compete agreements, policy manuals, employment agreements, confidentiality agreements, etc.
• business succession planning
• corporate restructures, asset sales and purchases, stock sales and purchases, mergers and acquisitions, corporate takeovers
• interpretation and enforcement of partnership and shareholder agreements
• breach of fiduciary duty, insolvency, bankruptcy, and commercial debts

To discuss your legal options concerning such matters, contact our office at 845-778-2228.