Are you searching for effective shareholder dispute lawyers in San Diego and Southern California? The Watkins Firm takes a unique approach to shareholder disputes which is designed to achieve your goals in a timely and cost-efficient manner. There are a variety of reasons why shareholders may be involved in a dispute or lawsuit. Some of these reasons include, but are not limited to:
- Merger or Acquisition
- Sale of the Corporation
- Minority Shareholder Disputes
- Dissenting Shareholders
- Shareholder Oppression and Freeze Outs
- Derivative Actions
- Access to Corporate Books and Correspondence
Most minority shareholder disputes and questions regarding shareholder rights are resolved through effective, leveraged negotiation. The Watkins Firm works to identify your available options and understand your goals and objectives for a successful outcome. We open constructive professional negotiations designed to identify common ground while discussing the core issues involved in the dispute. California law provides additional protections and specific rights to minority shareholder interests. This is true regardless of the actual state of incorporation.
Our effective shareholder dispute lawyers put the opposing interest(s) on notice and assert our client’s rights. We work to resolve the issues and negotiate a resolution or solution which accomplishes their goals. When negotiation does not resolve part or all of the issues within the dispute, we represent our clients in mediation and arbitration.
Mediation is a confidential and more informal venue. The parties select a neutral third party who is an expert in shareholder rights and disputes. We work with the mediator and other parties to identify alternatives and reach agreement or settlement. Arbitration is a much more legally structured venue. We work to help select an effective, neutral arbitrator to hear the case. We provide the arbitrator with a well crafted brief. The arbitrator will collect evidence and witness testimony and render a decision within a short period of time.
Pro-Tip: “There is a lot we can do as your attorney to help protect your interests, and your access to information. We like to say, if it’s off a penny, it’s off a million. So we look at the financial disclosures you’ve been given, and if they don’t add up or doesn’t seem straightforward, we suggest you demand for documentation. And if they don’t give it, that’s sort of akin to them pleading the fifth, and you know, something’s really wrong when they’re not willing to give their investors, their owners full access, full transparency into what’s going on with the company.
Pro-Tip: “There is a lot we can do as your attorney to help protect your interests, and your access to information. We like to say, if it’s off a penny, it’s off a million. So we look at the financial disclosures you’ve been given, and if they don’t add up or doesn’t seem straightforward, we suggest you demand for documentation. And if they don’t give it, that’s sort of akin to them pleading the fifth, and you know, something’s really wrong when they’re not willing to give their investors, their owners full access, full transparency into what’s going on with the company.So that sense that you have that something’s just not right? That should also be a sense that maybe you should get some help. And you should do it right away. because, when shareholder fraud or shareholder breach happens, it’s usually for a purpose. That is an opportunity for management. And it’s usually happening now, and it probably involves a lot of money. The controlling interests wouldn’t do it unless it’s worth something.
What we’re also talking about here is timing. Let’s say you don’t have a shareholder agreement, or you have a weak shareholder agreement and, management has broad discretion to do a lot of things, and they’re getting ready to do some questionable things, to make a big profit. And you come along and say, ‘wait a minute, I think something’s wrong here.’ And you pose an objection. Well, before you file a lawsuit, this opportunity that management has is still there. So if you are the squeaky wheel right away, before they go forward with whatever they’re doing, then you may profit from that. But if you’re not, then it’ll just happen. And instead of sharing in the profits, you’ll be fighting to claim you had rights to get some money back.” – Dan Watkins, Founding Partner
If you are looking for effective shareholder dispute lawyers in San Diego or anywhere in California with a proven track record of resolving complex disputes we invite you to review our podcast Episode 10 – The Importance of a Strong Corporate Attorney as well as the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today.
