Company, Partnership and Shareholder Dispute Solicitors

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Disputes between shareholders or business partners can be extremely stressful.

Relations between shareholders can sometimes sour to the point that the business can no longer continue the status quo. At Levi Solicitors, our company, shareholder and partnership disputes solicitors can help you resolve your dispute.

Our team has a wealth of experience in all types of company, partnership and shareholder disputes, in relation to businesses of all sizes. We can assist you with:

Unfair prejudice petitions
Derivative claims (for more information, read our blog)
Disputes with directors – for example, disputes over directors’ duties
Enforcement of partnership agreement terms
Injunctions
Applications to dissolve partnerships

In terms of costs, we will provide costs estimates and advice on funding your case from the outset. For more information, please see our pricing page.

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Contact our company, partnership and shareholder dispute solicitors in Leeds and London

If you need help with resolving company, shareholder or partnership disputes, contact us today for a no obligation initial discussion. With offices in Leeds, Moortown and London, and virtual appointments available, we can help you resolve your company, partnership or shareholder dispute no matter where you are.

We will provide cost estimates and advice on funding your case from the outset. For more information, please see our pricing page.

Why choose our company, partnership and shareholder dispute solicitors?

Our team understands that a dispute with your fellow shareholder or partner has the potential to halt business. We will work with you to resolve matters as quickly as possible.

When your working relationship has broken down, our solicitors will be here to fight your corner. Our advice will always be clear, and we will always be up front and provide straightforward information on costs.

Our partnership and shareholder dispute services

Unfair prejudice petitions

Unfair prejudice petitions can arise where a shareholder’s interests have been harmed by the way a company is being run. This often includes exclusion from management, misuse of company funds or decisions that unfairly benefit other shareholders.

We can advise shareholders and companies on the merits of bringing or defending an unfair prejudice petition and the options available, including negotiated settlement or court proceedings.

Our aim is to protect your position while seeking a practical resolution that reflects the commercial interests of the business and minimises unnecessary disruption.

Derivative claims

A derivative claim allows a shareholder to bring proceedings on behalf of a company where directors have breached their duties and the company has failed to act. These claims can be complex and require careful consideration at an early stage.

We advise shareholders on whether a derivative claim is appropriate and guide them through the court approval process. We also act for directors and companies responding to such claims.

Our approach is clear and strategic, ensuring you understand your options, risks and likely outcomes before any action is taken.

Director disputes (for example, disputes over directors’ duties)

Disputes between directors can quickly impact the operation and stability of a business.

Issues often arise around breaches of directors’ duties, decision-making authority or conflicts of interest. We advise directors and companies on their legal obligations and rights, helping to resolve disputes efficiently and with minimal disruption to the business.

Where possible, we seek to achieve a negotiated solution, but we are equally experienced in formal dispute resolution where matters cannot be resolved amicably. Our advice is practical, commercially focused and tailored to your specific circumstances.

Enforcement of shareholders and partnership agreement terms

Partnership disputes frequently arise where one party fails to comply with the terms of a partnership or shareholders’ agreement. This may include profit sharing, management responsibilities or restrictions on competition.

We advise on enforcing contractual rights and obligations, ensuring the agreement is interpreted correctly and applied fairly.

Our partnership and shareholder dispute solicitors works to resolve disputes swiftly and cost-effectively, whether through negotiation, mediation or court proceedings.

We focus on protecting your interests while considering the long-term commercial impact on the partnership or business relationship.

Injunctions

Injunctions can provide urgent protection where immediate action is required to prevent ongoing or threatened harm. This may include preventing the misuse of company assets, stopping breaches of directors’ duties or enforcing restrictive covenants.

We advise on the availability and suitability of injunctive relief and act quickly to prepare and present applications where necessary. Our team ensures you understand the legal and practical implications before proceeding.

Our shareholder and partnership dispute solicitors also advise clients responding to injunction applications, offering clear guidance at what is often a critical stage of a dispute.

Applications to dissolve partnerships

Where a partnership relationship has irretrievably broken down, dissolution may be the most appropriate course of action. We advise partners on applications to dissolve partnerships, including the legal grounds, financial implications and practical consequences.

Our aim is to achieve a fair and orderly resolution that protects your position and minimises further conflict.

We guide clients through the process with clear advice and a focus on practical outcomes, whether matters can be resolved by agreement or require court intervention.

Frequently asked questions about partnership and shareholder disputes

What are the most common causes of partnership disputes?

Partnership disputes often develop when expectations between partners change or are never clearly aligned from the start.

Problems commonly arise around how decisions are made, how profits are shared or how much involvement each partner should have in the business.

Tensions can also emerge following changes in circumstances, such as business growth or financial pressure.

We help clients understand the root cause of a dispute and provide practical advice aimed at resolving matters before they escalate further.

How do I legally dissolve a business partnership?

The process for dissolving a partnership depends on the terms of the partnership agreement and the circumstances of the dispute.

In some cases, dissolution can be agreed upon between partners. In others, a court application may be required. We can advise on the legal grounds for dissolution, the steps involved and the financial implications.

What steps should I take to resolve a disagreement with my business partner?

The first step is to review any partnership or shareholders’ agreement, as this may set out a process for resolving disputes.

Early legal advice can help clarify your position and avoid escalation. We often recommend exploring negotiation or mediation before formal proceedings, where appropriate.

If this is not possible, our business partnership dispute lawyers can provide clear guidance on your legal options and the most effective way to protect your interests.

How can a partnership agreement help prevent future disputes?

A well-drafted partnership agreement clearly defines each partner’s rights, responsibilities and decision-making powers.

It can also include mechanisms for resolving disputes, dealing with exits and managing changes to the partnership. This clarity helps reduce misunderstandings and provides a framework for addressing issues if they arise.

What is the legal process for resolving shareholder disputes?

Shareholder disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation or formal legal proceedings, depending on the nature of the issue.

The process often begins with a review of the company’s articles of association and any shareholders’ agreement. If matters cannot be resolved amicably, court proceedings may be required, such as unfair prejudice claims.

We guide clients through each stage, providing clear advice on strategy, risks and likely outcomes.

What are the different types of shareholder litigation?

Shareholder litigation can take several forms, including unfair prejudice petitions, derivative claims and disputes relating to share ownership or voting rights.

Each type of claim has its own legal requirements and potential remedies.

We advise shareholders and companies on the most appropriate course of action based on their objectives and the wider commercial context.

What is a shareholder buy-out, and when is it necessary?

A shareholder buy-out involves one party purchasing another shareholder’s shares, often as a way to resolve an ongoing dispute.

This can be a practical solution where the relationship has broken down, but the business remains viable.

We advise on the valuation process, funding arrangements and legal documentation required. Our aim is to ensure the buy-out is fair, properly structured and allows the business to move forward with certainty.

How does a shareholders' agreement prevent or mitigate disputes?

A shareholders’ agreement sets out how a company is run and how key decisions are made. It can include provisions dealing with deadlock, share transfers and exit arrangements.

By clearly defining expectations and procedures, the agreement helps prevent disputes and provides mechanisms for resolving them if they arise.

What is the role of the board of directors when a shareholder dispute arises?

The board of directors must continue to act in the best interests of the company during a shareholder dispute.

This includes complying with directors’ duties and ensuring decisions are made properly and fairly.

We advise directors on their obligations and help companies manage disputes without compromising governance or commercial stability.

Clear legal guidance at this stage can help prevent further conflict and protect both the business and its leadership.

How long do partnership and shareholder disputes take to resolve?

The timescale for resolving partnership and shareholder disputes varies depending on the complexity of the issues and the approach taken.

Some disputes can be resolved quickly through negotiation or mediation, while others may take several months if court proceedings are required.

Our partnership dispute lawyers provide realistic advice on likely timeframes from the start of your case and focus on achieving the most efficient resolution possible, taking into account both legal and commercial considerations.

Contact our partnership dispute solicitors in Leeds and London

If you need help with a dispute, contact us today for a no obligation initial discussion. With offices in Leeds, Moortown and London, and virtual appointments available, we can help you resolve your company, partnership or shareholder dispute no matter where you are.

We will provide cost estimates and advice on funding your case from the outset. For more information, please see our pricing page.