Shareholder & Partnership Disputes
Litigation
Ownership, Control, and Fiduciary Disputes for Businesses and Investors
WH Burkley represents business owners, shareholders, partners, and investors in disputes involving ownership, control, and governance. We provide strategic, business-focused counsel to resolve conflicts efficiently while protecting enterprise value and long-term interests.
Disputes between owners can disrupt operations, strain relationships, and threaten the stability of a business. We work closely with clients to assess risk early, develop a clear strategy, and pursue practical solutions through negotiation, litigation, or separation planning.
Shareholder and Partnership Conflicts
• Disputes among shareholders, partners, and members of closely held entities
• Deadlock situations involving ownership or management control
• Claims arising from breakdowns in business relationships
• Disputes involving buyout rights and exit strategies
Fiduciary Duty and Governance Disputes
• Claims involving breach of fiduciary duty by officers, directors, or partners
• Disputes over corporate governance and decision-making authority
• Minority shareholder oppression and related claims
• Allegations of self-dealing, misuse of assets, or conflicts of interest
Ownership Transitions and Buyouts
• Structuring negotiated exits and ownership transitions
• Disputes involving valuation and buy-sell agreements
• Enforcement of shareholder, operating, and partnership agreements
• Resolving disputes tied to succession planning or ownership changes
Business Divorce and Separation Planning
• Developing strategies to separate ownership interests
• Coordinating financial, operational, and legal considerations
• Negotiating settlements that preserve value and continuity
• Managing disputes through litigation or alternative dispute resolution
Our Approach
• Align dispute strategy with business objectives and ownership priorities
• Move matters forward efficiently to minimize operational disruption
• Coordinate across legal, financial, and tax considerations in ownership disputes
• Focus on practical resolutions, including negotiated exits where appropriate
• Prioritize responsiveness, clear communication, and strong advocacy
Why WH Burkley
• Practical experience representing owners, shareholders, partners, and investors in complex business disputes
• Strong understanding of the financial and operational impact of ownership conflicts
• Ability to balance litigation strategy with negotiated resolutions, buyouts, and ownership transitions
• Integration with corporate, tax, restructuring, and succession planning capabilities
• Responsive, partner-level service focused on preserving value and protecting long-term interests
Recognition
Best Law Firms | Cleveland
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
Best Law Firms | Pittsburgh
- Band 1 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
- Band 2 – Litigation – Commercial
Best Law Firms | US
- Band 2 – Litigation – Bankruptcy
*Certain recognitions displayed on this page were earned prior to the formation of WH Burkley LLP and may reflect the accomplishments of our legacy firms, Walter Haverfield LLP and Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.