CRAWFORD, WISHNEW & LANG represents clients in partnership and shareholder disputes, including disputes between members of closely-held corporations and limited liability companies. Often, these disputes involve claims for breach of fiduciary duty or allegations of self-dealing, misappropriation, or breach of the governing documents. Almost always, these disputes are highly-complex and highly-contentious. Because clients usually possess a substantial amount of the relevant documents in these matters, from the second we are retained, we work diligently to gain control over the facts and law of the case as early as possible in order to secure the desired resolution for our clients as early as possible. Some of our prior representations have included: 

     

• Representing the widow of the co-founder and 50% owner of a nationwide, family-owned restaurant in a case where the other side of the family was attempting to cut our client out of the business and had secretly funneled millions of dollars to themselves through improper compensation and payments to wholly-owned entities. Obtained an eight-figure settlement on behalf of our client at a second mediation that occurred one week after filing the lawsuit.

 

• Representing a member of a limited liability company in defense of claims for breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract. Secured summary judgment dismissing the plaintiff’s claims and allowing our client to separate from the other members and retain proceeds from deals entered into in competition with the previous company.

 

• Representing minority shareholder in closely-held business in prosecuting claims of breach of fiduciary duty and shareholder oppression by majority owners. Obtained substantial settlement on behalf of the client less than a month after filing suit.

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• Representing minority owners of a healthcare company bringing claims for breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty. Secured a trial verdict in excess of $1 million on behalf of our clients.

 

• Representing the CEO of a company in defense of claims for breach of fiduciary duty. Obtaining dismissal following a nominal settlement.

 

• Representing an officer of a distillery in defense of allegations of breach of fiduciary duty. Settled the case favorably for the client with before trial.

 

• Representing a company and its CEO against claims brought by minority owner for breach of fiduciary duty and fraud. Successfully negotiated a complex buyout of ownership.