Minneapolis Lawyer For Resolving Shareholder, Member And Partnership Disputes
A shareholder, membership or partnership dispute has the potential to create contention and instability within a business. If you need legal assistance with a dispute, you have come to the right place. At MKT Law, when it comes to shareholder disputes, attorney Mark K. Thompson is dedicated to protecting his clients’ ownership interests in their businesses. How? He takes aggressive action to protect his clients’ interests and has developed a reputation for efficient and effective advocacy.
Most disputes arise out of various forms of fraud – lying, cheating, stealing, embezzling from the entity or from the accusation of one of these alleged crimes. The firm’s attorney acts quickly to understand the entire picture, gather all of the evidence and work to protect the interests of his clients whether in offense or defense of a corporate member.
Attorney Thompson can handle the following shareholder and partnership disputes:
- Allegations of officer misconduct
- Buyout agreements and employee compensation
- Claims related to minority shareholder/member rights, freeze-outs and squeeze-outs
- Breach of contract claims involving shareholder or partnership agreements
He can also assist you with a breach of fiduciary duty claims, corporation dissolution, LLCs, partnerships, family-limited partnerships, closely held companies, S corporations and other business entities. No matter how complicated or multi-faceted your matter may seem, attorney Thompson is confident in his ability to assist you. After all, he has 20-plus years of experience in the area of business law.
Take the first step towards resolving your matter. Call MKT Law at 612-217-2913 or connect online to request a case evaluation.
Common Types Of Shareholder And Partnership Disputes
Business relationships, like personal ones, frequently encounter challenges. When conflicts arise between business owners, they can threaten the entire enterprise. Attorney Thompson regularly handles several categories of ownership disputes requiring experienced legal intervention.
Breach of fiduciary duty claims occur when partners, officers or controlling shareholders violate their legal duties of loyalty, care and good faith. These violations happen when an owner diverts company assets for personal gain, conceals information from other owners or makes self-serving decisions at the company’s expense. Such actions often result in significant financial damage and complex litigation.
Disagreements over company direction emerge as businesses evolve and face changing markets. Co-owners who once shared a vision may develop conflicting ideas about strategic decisions, expansion opportunities or operational priorities. Without effective dispute resolution mechanisms, these disagreements can create paralyzing deadlocks where the business suffers from inaction.
Profit distribution issues create particularly emotional conflicts among owners. Even successful businesses face internal strife when owners disagree about reinvesting earnings versus distributing them, determining appropriate compensation for working owners or the timing of distributions. These conflicts often reveal deeper tensions about power and perceived value contributions.
Minority shareholder oppression occurs when controlling owners use their power to unfairly disadvantage minority owners. Tactics include excluding minority owners from management participation, withholding company information, refusing to declare dividends while paying excessive salaries to majority owners or manipulating company valuation during buyout negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shareholder And Partnership Disputes
MKT Law clients often have pressing questions when facing business ownership conflicts. Here are answers to common inquiries he receives.
How can I protect my interests as a minority shareholder?
Review all corporate governance documents thoroughly, as they often contain protective provisions. Request and review financial information regularly to detect potential misconduct early. Document any concerning actions and consult with an attorney promptly, as there are typically time limitations for bringing claims.
What steps should I take if I suspect a breach of fiduciary duty?
Gather supporting documentation such as financial records, emails and meeting minutes. Avoid confrontational accusations before consulting with an attorney. An experienced business attorney can assess whether the conduct constitutes a breach and advise on appropriate next steps.
How is a business valuation conducted in a partnership dispute?
Business valuations typically involve independent appraisers or forensic accountants who analyze financial statements, assets, liabilities, cash flow and market conditions. The methodology depends on business type and available information.
What are the legal remedies available for partnership disputes?
Remedies may include monetary damages, court-ordered dissolution, forced buyouts, removal of officers or specific performance of contractual obligations. Minnesota law also provides for alternative remedies, like appointing receivers. Negotiated settlements often offer more flexible solutions than court-imposed remedies.
Minneapolis Business Lawyer Providing Pragmatic Counsel
When it comes to providing counsel to individuals and companies facing shareholder or partnership disputes, the firm strives to provide pragmatic counsel. Attorney Thompson understands how businesses work and what is at stake. Whether representing the owners of a small or mid-sized business, the firm’s goal is to provide an effective solution that will lead their clients towards success.
Attorney Thompson has a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating, is well-versed in shareholder dispute matters. In fact, he published a shareholder dispute article in the Hamline Law Review. His knowledge in this area of the law could prove to be indispensable to your case.
Need Business Law Counsel? Contact MKT Law
Shareholder, member and partnership dispute cases can be complex, but Minneapolis business litigation attorney Mark Thompson can handle all the details on your behalf and provide you with the step-by-step guidance you need. With the his careful help, your dispute can be resolved in a timely and appropriate manner.
Give MKT Law a call for more information about his litigation services in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.