Business Litigation

Fiduciary Duty & Shareholder Claims

One of the most stressful, challenging, and uncertain times in the life of a business is when disputes arise between a company’s shareholders, members, partners, officers, or directors. The attorneys in Messerli Kramer’s Business Litigation group represent shareholders, business owners, officers, directors, and their companies during these difficult times. Whether the case involves a breach of fiduciary duties by an officer, director, or shareholder; a claim for a buy-out; oppression of minority shareholders or other ownership disputes, the lawyers on our shareholder litigation team have a well-earned reputation for aggressively protecting their client’s interests. We seek creative, business-driven solutions to the complex issues involved when disputes arise amongst company owners or executives. Our team has a wealth of experience handling litigation involving all types of corporate entities (corporations, LLCs, partnerships, non-profits), including those ranging from very small startups to large established companies. We first work to understand your business and its needs, and then formulate an effective, cost-efficient strategy to match.

Representative Experience

Represented majority owner in extended multimillion dollar fiduciary duty/partnership dispute, including trial and appellate court proceedings; obtaining summary judgment award for distributions and attorney fees in excess of $1,000,000. Hall v. Hall, 2015 Minn. App. and Hall v. Hall, Ramsey County District Court.
Represented derivative shareholder plaintiffs in breach of fiduciary duty and negligence claims against officers and directors of Voyager Bank. Boyt et al v. Owens et al.
Represented defendant-corporation’s shareholder against breach of fiduciary duty claims. Steinmetz and ThinLight Technologies Corp. v. Lindblad et al.
Represented majority owner in successful defense of multi-million dollar minority shareholder forced buy-out attempt; obtaining an order for dismissal of the majority of Plaintiff’s claims.
Represented bank owners and directors in alleged breach of fiduciary duty and fraud cases.
Represented shareholders in matters involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and mandatory buy-out claims.
Represented co-owner of business in case involving improper exclusion from company, and improper termination and removal from role as chief manager and member of the board of governors.
Represented sole owner of family-controlled corporation in ownership/control dispute involving claims for breach of fiduciary duty and injunctive relief.
Represented majority owner of significant retail/distribution company against claims of breach of fiduciary duty; obtaining resolution in early mediation.