Detroit Shareholder Agreement Dispute Lawyers

The demise of many businesses is caused by internal discord. Serious disagreement at senior management or shareholder levels are disruptive and even destructive to a company as civil war is to a nation. The attorneys at Sommers Schwartz are combat-tested business litigators, with deep experience in various shareholder disputes among partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, and franchises.

Shareholders and Their Disagreements

State corporation laws give shareholders certain rights, including the right to elect directors, to receive financial information, and to be protected against the artificial dilution of their investments through mergers and other transactions. Shareholder oppression occurs where some shareholders – typically the majority owners – attempt to disadvantage or squeeze out a minority shareholder.

In addition to suing the company or the controlling shareholders individually, some claims can be brought in what is know as a derivative suit, where one shareholder is allowed to seek relief for the benefit of the company as a whole. Special rules apply to these types of representative lawsuits, and they can be complicated. If you find yourself involved in any kind of corporate or shareholder dispute, you need to seek the aid and guidance of experienced counsel.

Sommers Schwartz attorneys have that experience, as well as a proven track record of results, including:

  • Grimes v. Fairfield Resorts, Inc., Case No. 05-cv-1061 (M.D. Fla.), successful challenge to a timeshare company’s “resort ownership point system”
  • Camden v. Kaufman, Case No. 96-531080-CZ (Oakland Co., Mich.), blocking the merger of a closely held corporation that would have cashed out the minority shareholders’ interests at an unfair price
  • Cicarell v. Provident Mutual Life Ins. Co., Case No. 96-0037 (Philadelphia Co., PA), blocking an attempt by directors to demutualize the company and deprive shareholders of the millions of dollars of corporate profits

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Because shareholder disputes can be so divisive, we are also adept at Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) proceedings such as mediation, arbitration, and facilitation. When possible, ADR is recommended over costly and time-consuming litigation that can result in court decisions that the parties may find inadequate and where the remedies are often limited and inequitable. Also, ADR frequently proves to be less damaging to the business, as well as to personal and familial relationships that are so important to preserve in many shareholder disputes.

Sommers Schwartz attorneys know that unresolved disputes between shareholders can be disruptive to normal business operations and can drain a company’s resources. The smooth continuation of your business is a high priority, and we have been instrumental in resolving numerous difficult issues while allowing businesses to carry on with minimal disruption. Our attorneys have been involved with a wide range of corporate and shareholder matters, and we’re here to help you however we can.

Contact a Sommers Schwartz attorney today to confidentially discuss your case and learn how we can help.

A Trusted Authority

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Comments about Matthew Curtis from an Appreciative Client

Your efforts have changed my life, Matt. I’m forever grateful. My wife has tons of upcoming medical expenses, and we had both been working hard to make ends meet. I can’t thank you and your staff enough.

Praise for Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller and Matthew Curtis

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work and dedication in handling my case. I appreciate your professionalism, your compassion, and your perseverance throughout this challenging process. You have gone above and beyond to protect my rights, to defend my interests, and to secure a favorable…

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Jesse Young worked an employment case for me that ended with almost 700 people getting their unpaid wages back. He and his team are incredible. From the first communication to the last, they never missed a single beat – consistent and clear communication, quickly replying to my communication, and always making…

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My wife had an accident, tripping over a cable line that wasn’t buried. Andy represented us and were very pleased with the outcome. Andy was very professional, personable, and quick to respond to us, answering any of our questions or concerns. The whole firm was responsive to our concerns, and…

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The lawyers at Sommers Schwartz, P.C. were nothing short of amazing when I came to them with my medical malpractice case! Dina truly helped to put my mind at ease and because of her and her firm, I finally have closure and can begin my healing process! I just want…

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When our world was shattered by an unexpected medical diagnosis, we were referred to Rob Sickels of Sommers Schwartz. What a blessing to get this referral as Rob listened to us with caring and compassion, spent all the time necessary to help us, was always honest with us about our…

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Dina never lied to us and was very straightforward. I feel like she took me under her wing. She got me through something that I thought was going to be incredibly difficult for me to relive. Dina felt like a friend, somebody I could trust and look to for guidance….

About Dina Zaleski, Rick Groffsky, and Andy Dragovic

Dina, Rick, and Andy were amazing lawyers. They helped me through an incredibly difficult time in my life after losing my son. I wanted answers on why, and they helped me through the whole process and they got me answers. After I lost my son, I was severely depressed. Every…

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