Services
Director disputes
Director disputes
Director and shareholder disputes are common. Directors and shareholders disputes are a core area of expertise and experience for us.
Specialist legal advice for directors
Disputes between directors can have a serious impact on a company’s performance, governance, and reputation. We provide clear, strategic legal advice to resolve director disputes efficiently and with minimal disruption to your business.
Our services and experience
- Advice on director duties and alleged breaches
- Guidance on removal of directors and Companies Act procedures
- Strategic support in combined director/shareholder disputes
- Representation in unfair prejudice petitions and derivative actions
- Emergency injunctions or board meeting interventions
- Drafting settlement terms, buyout agreements, or revised governance structures
Why choose us?
- Experienced in Company Law – Our team advises directors, shareholders, and businesses across all sectors.
- Tactical and Practical – We provide commercial solutions, not just legal theory.
- Dispute Resolution Experts – Skilled in negotiation, mediation, and High Court proceedings.
Common causes of director disputes
Director disputes can arise for many reasons, including:
- Breach of directors’ duties under the Companies Act 2006
- Conflicts over business strategy or decision-making
- Allegations of misconduct, negligence, or misappropriation of assets
- Removal or forced resignation of a director
- Disputes regarding remuneration, dividends, or shareholdings
These disputes often reflect deeper issues in a company’s leadership and governance structure and, if left unresolved, can damage business operations and stakeholder confidence.
Overlap with shareholder disputes
Director disputes frequently overlap with shareholder disputes, particularly in owner-managed or small private companies where directors are also shareholders. This can raise additional legal and commercial complexities, such as:
- Unfair prejudice claims under section 994 of the Companies Act
- Disputes over share valuation and transfer on exit
- Deadlock situations in 50:50 ownership structures
- Breach of shareholders’ agreements or articles of association
We understand the dual role many individuals hold and offer advice that addresses both company law obligations and personal shareholder rights.
How director disputes typically play out
Director disputes can escalate quickly. Common stages include:
- Internal Attempts at Resolution – informal negotiations or board meetings to resolve issues.
- Legal Correspondence – exchange of solicitor letters, often involving proposed settlements or removal.
- Formal Removal – use of statutory procedures to remove a director under the Companies Act or articles.
- Litigation or Injunctions – in serious cases, court action may be necessary to restrain conduct or protect assets.
- Settlement or Mediation – many disputes are resolved through negotiation, often involving share buyouts or revised agreements.
Our goal is to resolve matters quickly and confidentially, preserving value and relationships where possible – but we’re fully equipped to act decisively if litigation is required.
Contact us today for confidential advice if you're involved in a director dispute or need help protecting your position and the future of your business.
Let us take it from here
Let us take it from here
Call us on 020 7438 1060 or complete the form and one of our team will be in touch.
Alex Kennedy
Alex specialises in company and commercial work with a focus on commercial disputes, employment law and private company share sales. Educated at Cambridge University, Alex will navigate through difficult situations taking every to opportunity achieve results. He prides himself in finding the possible in the impossible.