Reed Leeper, P.C. Shareholder Disputes Real Lawyers. Real Litigators. Real Life.

Shareholder Disputes in Marietta

Cobb County Representation for Shareholders, Officers & Business Entities

Shareholder disputes can surface in any closely held corporation, LLC, or partnership, and they rarely resolve themselves. When owners disagree over governance, profit distribution, or alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, the conflict can disrupt daily operations and put the business itself at risk. At Reed Leeper, P.C., we represent both sides of these disputes, prosecuting and defending actions on behalf of shareholders, members, partners, and the business entities involved.

Our attorneys bring over 100 years of combined experience in business and commercial litigation. Our client base spans individual business owners, corporate shareholders, and Fortune 500 companies, and we approach each dispute with the same attention to the specific facts and goals that define the matter.

If you’re facing a shareholder dispute in the Marietta area, contact Reed Leeper, P.C. at (470) 837-6002 to discuss your situation and your options.

Why Marietta Business Owners Work with Reed Leeper, P.C.

Shareholder disputes demand counsel who understands the local court environment as well as the legal substance of the claims. Our attorneys are members of the Cobb County Bar Association and practice regularly before the Cobb County Superior Court, the primary venue for commercial litigation in Marietta. That familiarity can help us anticipate procedural challenges and move efficiently on our clients’ behalf.

We work closely with local accountants and business consultants when a dispute requires financial analysis or business valuation, ensuring every aspect of the matter is addressed. Our focus on cost-effective strategies means clients aren’t spending more than the situation warrants. Many of the business owners and corporate shareholders who retain us have worked with our attorneys for decades and referred colleagues to the firm based on those results.

Types of Shareholder Disputes We Handle

Shareholder and ownership conflicts take many forms depending on the business structure and the relationships involved. We represent minority shareholders, majority shareholders, and the business entity itself in corporations, LLCs, and partnerships throughout Georgia.

Common dispute categories include:

Breach of fiduciary duty: A controlling shareholder or officer who acts in their own interest at the expense of others may have breached the duties owed to the company and its shareholders.
Minority shareholder oppression: This can include freezing a minority owner out of management, withholding dividends, or diluting their ownership interest without justification.
Buyout and valuation disputes: When shareholders disagree on the fair value of shares during a buyout or dissolution, litigation or expert valuation may be required to resolve the impasse.
Derivative actions: A shareholder may bring a derivative action on behalf of the corporation when leadership has harmed the company and refused to address it internally.
Board deadlock: Equal shareholders or directors who can’t reach agreement can paralyze a company, potentially requiring court intervention or a dissolution proceeding under Georgia law.
Shareholder agreement disputes: Conflicts over exit rights, transfer restrictions, voting thresholds, or dispute resolution procedures written into the shareholder agreement are among the most common triggers for litigation.

Continue Reading Read Less

"Highly Responsive"
I am a small business owner and used this firm and they are very easy to work with and highly responsive which is rare for a small potato like me. I would use them again in the future.

- Andreas E.
"Made Me Top Priority"
Excellent firm. Thanks for all you have done and making me a top priority when working with you! Very professional, thorough and easy to work with!

- Brandon N.
"Brilliant Attorneys"
Brilliant attorneys with years of experience and litigation expertise. Reed Leeper will ensure your business is in good hands. They're known for their attention to detail, personal client dedication and they get results.

- Alexander Z.
"Very Positive Experiences"
Our LLC has turned to Reed Leeper for legal advice when needed. We have found this firm to be extremely professional and thorough, with extensive knowledge of the issues.

- Ed P.
"They Renewed My Confidence"
They were a vast improvement from my previous firm. They renewed my confidence, were very responsive and knowledgeable. They turned a bad situation into joyous one by being down to earth! Outstanding job!

- Glenn W.
"Making My Messes Disappear"
Jeff Leeper is the male version of Olivia Pope. He is always making my dirty messes disappear!

- Former Client
"They Go Out of Their Way"
The staff at Reed Leeper, P.C. are very friendly, and they go out of their way to do what needs to be done! Highly recommended!

- Crystal P.
"They Worked Diligently"
Chad Reed was AWESOME! He worked diligently and kept in touch with me every step of the way! I'm extremely grateful.

- Marian C.

View More Reviews

What Sets US Apart

Strategic Advocacy At Every Step

Real Lawyers. Real Litigators. Real Life.

Results-Driven Team

We are dedicated to achieving successful outcomes, no matter how complex the case.
Client-Centered Service

We focus on understanding your unique needs and provide tailored, strategic advice.
Integrity In Law

We maintain the highest ethical standards, ensuring honesty and transparency in every case.
Exceptional Experience

Our team brings deep knowledge across various legal fields to deliver effective solutions.

Georgia Law & the Cobb County Superior Court

Shareholder rights in Georgia are governed by the Georgia Business Corporation Code for corporations and the Georgia Limited Liability Company Act for LLCs. These statutes set the default rules when no shareholder or operating agreement addresses the issue in dispute, and they define what conduct courts can treat as a breach of duty. Georgia courts recognize both direct and derivative shareholder claims; which type applies depends on whether the harm was done to an individual shareholder or to the company as a whole.

Georgia law imposes fiduciary duties on majority shareholders in closely held corporations, a fact that often shapes strategy in minority oppression cases. Timing also matters. Georgia’s statutes of limitations can bar a shareholder claim that isn’t asserted promptly, so early legal involvement is worth considering even before a formal dispute develops.

Our attorneys track how Georgia business regulations evolve and stay active in the local legal community. That ongoing involvement, combined with consistent practice before the Cobb County Superior Court, positions us to handle both the legal and procedural dimensions of your dispute.

How Shareholder Disputes Get Resolved

We begin every engagement with a thorough analysis of the underlying issues: the governing documents, the financial records, the conduct in question, and the client’s objectives. That assessment shapes the strategy. Not every dispute requires a courtroom, and we pursue the resolution path that best serves each client’s goals.

Resolution options typically include:

Negotiation: Direct discussion between parties, often the fastest and least costly route when both sides have an interest in preserving the business relationship.
Mediation: A neutral third party helps disputing shareholders reach a mutually acceptable resolution without a trial, which can preserve business relationships and reduce costs.
Arbitration: Some shareholder agreements require binding arbitration rather than litigation. We represent clients in arbitration proceedings as well as in court.
Litigation: When negotiated resolution isn’t possible, shareholder cases can involve discovery of financial records, corporate minutes, and internal communications to establish what decisions were made and by whom. We handle claims in both Georgia state and federal courts.

Throughout the process, we provide ongoing case evaluation and clear communication at every stage. Our goal is a cost-effective resolution that can let our clients refocus on running their business, along with proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of similar disputes down the road.

Continue Reading Read Less

Our Attorneys & Your Next Step

Managing partners Chad Reed and Jeffrey Leeper, along with partners Cory Close and Lillian Elizabeth Crommelin, represent clients in shareholder and business ownership disputes across Georgia. All of our attorneys are licensed by the State Bar of Georgia and are members of the Cobb County Bar Association. The firm is also licensed in the District of Columbia, Florida, Texas, and Nevada, enabling us to handle matters with multi-jurisdictional dimensions.

Clients consistently describe Reed Leeper, P.C. as results-driven, attentive to detail, and highly responsive. In shareholder disputes, where the details of corporate governance and the pace of proceedings can affect outcomes materially, those qualities can make a real difference.

If you’re a shareholder or business owner in Marietta dealing with an internal ownership conflict, call Reed Leeper, P.C. at (470) 837-6002 to schedule a consultation.

Fierce Advocacy. Proven Results.

Winning Your Legal Battles, One Case At A Time

Have questions? Ready to get started? Call (470) 837-6002 today or fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Reed Leeper, P.C. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy