December 17, 2021
There are important elements to consider when dealing with a dispute, least of all are the legal issues. These may include:
being suspended or dismissed as an employee, often on spurious grounds
the remaining directors/shareholders taking steps to remove you as a director of the company
the other shareholders or the company wanting to buy your shares
being left with limited employment options due to restrictive covenants in either your employment contract or shareholders’ agreement
being asked to immediately repay overdrawn director’s loans
Dealing with the above issues can be daunting, stressful and also expensive. In addition, shareholder disputes are often highly acrimonious.
WHAT STEPS CAN YOU TAKE TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
Try to negotiate – a negotiated settlement will almost always be best for all concerned in the long run
Take legal advice from an experienced lawyer at an early stage – never assume anything when it comes to legal issues; make sure that you understand your legal position before making any future plans, particularly when you are subject to restrictive covenants
If you are taking steps to plan for the future, be careful that they cannot be used against you at a later date, e.g. by setting up a competing company
Check your home and other insurance policies for any legal expenses cover – shareholder disputes are expensive so insurance cover is invaluable
Be careful about who you talk to – once you have left, your former colleagues may be cajoled into giving evidence against you
Keep a note of key meetings and telephone calls – written evidence is always more persuasive
Keep copies of relevant documents including board papers – remember, you may well be unable to access your emails at a later date
Make sure that you retain copies of your employment contract, shareholders’ agreement and any other key contracts – your lawyers will need sight of these at an early stage
Be careful about conversations and meetings with potential new employers and business partners – you may be accused of breaching restrictive covenants
Always take legal and tax advice before agreeing to any exit deal
You may have a claim against the company for unfair dismissal and also your co-shareholders for “unfair prejudice” – your lawyer will be able to advise on this
For a free, no obligation conversation about how we can help you with the above, please contact Emily Shingler, on 02920 829 102 or eshingler@darwingray.com.
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”
Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”
My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”
