Private business disputes can put years of hard work at risk. Thompson Coburn helps owners of limited liability companies, partnerships, corporations and other organizations anticipate, prevent, and when necessary litigate, disputes so they can concentrate on running their companies.
We understand that every “business divorce” effectively presents a bet-the-company scenario. We bring the seasoned judgment and steady guidance needed to navigate those situations.
Integrated Approach
Because private business disputes frequently span multiple areas of law, our practice is deliberately interdisciplinary: seasoned litigators work closely with corporate, tax, employment, and estate planning attorneys to address every angle of each dispute. Our integrated teams anticipate and manage ownership conflicts before they turn into crises.
We are both strategic negotiators and proven courtroom advocates. With decades of litigation experience, we have untangled clients from complex ownership disputes of every kind. We are fluent in the laws governing closely held corporations, partnerships, and LLCs—from governance statutes to fiduciary duties—and can craft creative solutions. Often, we restructure businesses or negotiate buyouts to resolve disputes quietly. But if litigation is unavoidable, our team acts decisively.
Areas of Experience
- Shareholder Oppression and Fiduciary Duty – Prosecuting and defending claims of minority oppression and fiduciary breaches. We counsel both minority stakeholders and controlling owners on their rights and duties.
- Partnership and LLC Disputes – Resolving deadlock, profit-sharing, and control disputes, including judicial dissolutions and remedies for majority and minority owners.
- Derivative Suits and Records Demands – Pursuing derivative claims against insiders and enforcing statutory rights to access books and records.
- Buyouts, Valuations, and “Business Prenups” – Structuring and negotiating buyouts and buy-sell agreements, working with top valuation experts to determine fair value. We also draft shareholder and operating agreements with provisions for future separations.
- M&A and Investment Litigation – Litigating disputes involving stock or asset purchases, indemnification claims, buyouts, and earn-outs.
- Corporate Governance and Fraud – Addressing misconduct such as asset misappropriation, diverted opportunities, and financial fraud. We act swiftly when malfeasance threatens a business, including seeking injunctions or appointing receivers.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution – Guiding clients through mediation or arbitration. Many disputes end through a negotiated buyout or reorganization. We excel at the diplomacy needed to reach favorable settlements.
Delivering Results
Our team emphasizes early assessment and pragmatic solutions. Because drawn-out disputes can stall a company, we pursue efficient resolutions to save money and preserve relationships. We often achieve creative outcomes—such as partner buyouts, asset splits, or restructurings—helping parties move forward without expensive litigation.
When settlement is impossible, we litigate aggressively. Our trial-proven attorneys are recognized for handling complex business disputes in state and federal courts, and through private arbitration. Our results include securing injunctions to protect businesses, winning favorable valuations for minority shareholders, and vindicating majority owners facing unfounded fiduciary claims.
Whether negotiating a separation, litigating a dispute, or preventing a breakup, we guide clients through every stage of the process.
