Resolving a shareholder dispute quickly and efficiently has been the goal of many clients of the Watkins Firm.  These disputes do not have to become drawn out lawsuits that consume valuable personal and corporate resources while distracting all parties from the principle tasks of profitably running a business.  The experienced shareholder dispute attorneys at the Watkins Firm have more than four decades of experience in business litigation and shareholder lawsuits and disputes.  We take a unique approach to dispute resolution that is designed to accomplish our client’s goals and objectives in the dispute while accomplishing an effective resolution in a timely and efficient manner.

What is the Fastest Way to Resolve a Shareholder Dispute?

How is this accomplished?  We work to quickly establish and document a thorough chronology of events and a mastery of the potential damages.  These tools provide the leverage needed to gain the other party’s focused attention and negotiate a resolution that accomplishes our client’s goals.  It may surprise you to learn the Watkins Firm is able to resolve the vast majority of our shareholder dispute cases through effective, leveraged negotiation.  This is the fastest and least expensive route to resolving any business-related dispute.

Resolving a shareholder dispute quickly and efficiently is based upon our ability to communicate in a manner that invites conversation, find common ground, and to gain an understanding of the other position.  When parties are entrenched, or when an issue is based upon strongly held principle mediation is often a cost-effective and timely solution.  In mediation we are able to influence the process and advise our clients as we negotiate with the other party through a neutral third party. Many contracts specify arbitration as an alternative to trial. Your Watkins Firm attorney will represent you in every aspect of the dispute until it is resolved.

Pro-Tip: “When you invest in a company down the street, that’s not on the New York stock exchange, you still become a shareholder and shareholders have rights. First thing you should think about when you become a shareholder is like shareholders should be treated in a like or similar fashion. When you join a corporation by investing and you find out that someone with a similar shares as you is getting paid more dividends than you are, you are not going to like that. And you shouldn’t because that’s why we have different classes of shares. 

That’s why we have rules and laws. Also, you have to look and find out if there’s a shareholder’s agreement, which should define who gets what and who gets paid. Generally speaking, if you want to pay people differently than what their ownership is, you should have a limited liability company. But if you’re selling shares, you’re still subject to shareholder laws in the state of California and other places. And those shareholders have a right to vote. They have a right to see certain disclosures. If you have over 5%, you get to see more financial documents of the company and you have a right to dividends. If other people are getting dividends, then you have a right to show up at the shareholders meeting and assert your rights.” – Dan Watkins, Founding Partner

Resolving a Shareholder Dispute Quickly and Efficiently for More than 40 Years

Our experience at trial and our substantial track record of success over more than four decades establishes our credibility in the process and communicates the seriousness of your resolve to the other party.  They know you mean business, and that we are prepared to take your case all the way to a successful trial verdict if necessary.  It is this very fact that provides additional leverage earlier in the negotiations, mediation and arbitration to help with resolving a shareholder dispute more reasonably and promptly.

Are you a minority interest shareholder who is concerned about an investment or facing a freeze out or other abusive tactics by majority interests, concerned about the actions of another shareholder or considering a derivative lawsuit to protect the company from decisions that are taking it down the wrong path?

We invite you to review our podcast Episode 14 – Shareholders Rights and Disputes as well as the strong recommendations of our clients and contact the Watkins Firm or call 858-535-1511 for a complimentary consultation today.   Learn about our experience resolving shareholder disputes quickly and in a cost-effective manner.