Clarity and confidence when you need it most.

Disputes between shareholders, directors, and business partners can be among the most disruptive and emotionally charged challenges a business faces. At Porter Dodson, we provide strategic, commercially focused advice to help you resolve these conflicts efficiently, and protect the future of your business.

Whether you're navigating a joint venture breakdown, a director exit, or a dispute between family shareholders, we’re here to guide you through it with clarity and care.

How we help

We act for majority and minority shareholders, directors, partners, and companies in a wide range of disputes, including:

Minority shareholder claims
Breach of fiduciary duties by directors or partners
Breach of shareholder or partnership agreements
Derivative actions brought on behalf of the company
Unfair prejudice petitions and winding-up proceedings
Statutory rights of inspection of company documents
Exit negotiations for directors or partners
Dissolution of partnerships
Disputes linked to insolvency or the appointment of administrators or liquidators

Our approach

We understand that these disputes often involve long-standing relationships, with colleagues, business partners, or even family members. That’s why we take time to understand the personalities involved, the commercial context, and your long-term goals.

Where possible, we aim to resolve disputes early and constructively. But if litigation becomes necessary, we’ll help you establish a strong position from the outset.

We act for clients ranging from multinational corporations to family-run businesses and professional services firms.

The Contentious Trusts & Probate team is excellent. It is highly knowledgeable while bringing a very pragmatic and commercially sensitive approach, which is particularly important given the often personal, emotional, and high-stakes nature of these disputes.

Legal 500 2027

The team has a justifiably strong reputation in the field of contentious probate disputes. They fight hard on behalf of their clients.

Legal 500 2027

The team has a justifiably strong reputation in the field of contentious probate disputes. They fight hard on behalf of their clients.

Legal 500 2027

Ralph Wheeler is an outstanding senior associate. He combines impressive technical knowledge with a very pragmatic, commercially minded approach. He is strategic, very organized, and communicates clearly with clients and opponents alike, guiding clients confidently through sensitive or challenging disputes. He is also very effective in coordinating advice across multiple areas of law. Clients trust him for both the quality of his judgment and the practical, solutions-focused way he approaches each matter.

Legal 500 2027

Legal Awards and Accreditations

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Investors In People - Awards 2025 - Finalist 200px

Shareholder, Director & Partnership Disputes

Clarity and confidence when you need it most.

How we help

Our approach

Facing a shareholder or partnership dispute?

Legal Awards and Accreditations