New Jersey Shareholder Oppression Attorneys

Standing up for Minority Shareholders in Bergen County & Beyond

Corporations are ultimately controlled by the majority of shareholders. The influence of any minority shareholders is confined to that which the majority shareholders permit.

As a result, many minority shareholders in closely held corporations find themselves at odds with management, lacking a voice to protect their own interests or even to withdraw their investment. When majority shareholders make decisions that do not reflect the best interests of minority shareholders – who have no way to oppose the direction of the majority – they could be committing shareholder oppression.

At M. Ross & Associates, LLC, our New Jersey shareholder oppression attorneys represent both minority and majority shareholders in oppression claims. We take a comprehensive approach to these cases, taking the time to thoroughly assess the situation and pinpoint the most effective way to position our clients for success. There are several state statutes that govern these types of cases and the attorneys at M. Ross & Associates, LLC are intimately familiar with navigating through these statutes.

Proving Oppression of a Minority Shareholder

In New Jersey, majority shareholders in close corporations owe minority shareholders various fiduciary duties. Therefore, the foundation of any case attempting to prove shareholder oppression is establishing that the plaintiff is in fact a shareholder. Given the unique circumstances of each corporation’s establishment and operations, this must be assessed on a case-by-case basis by a knowledgeable attorney.

Our New Jersey shareholder oppression lawyers can carefully analyze the case to determine whether or not an individual can be considered a shareholder. We can assess stock certificates, stock ownership records, shareholder agreements, and other contracts or documents.

Oppression Remedies

Should the court find that shareholder oppression has occurred, it has the discretion to intervene and effectuate change through various remedies.

Potential legal remedies to shareholder oppression include:

• Appointment of a receiver for specific corporate assets, for corporation rehabilitation, or for corporation liquidation
• Mandatory injunction for immediate and future payment of dividends
• Court-ordered buy-out at fair market value

Whether you are a minority or majority shareholder involved in a shareholder oppression dispute, you can find the competent and trusted support you need at M. Ross & Associates, LLC. Our New Jersey shareholder oppression attorneys can help you navigate the process and fight for a favorable resolution.