Dallas Shareholder Dispute Lawyers

Shareholder conflict is a governance problem before it becomes a lawsuit. It starts with questions about who may authorize transactions, how information flows to owners, and which remedies are available when confidence breaks down. The right plan restores operational stability first, then uses a precise reading of the governing documents and Texas law to move the matter toward a business-focused resolution.

Whether it’s a conflict between shareholders, allegations of misrepresentation, or a violation of securities regulations, these matters demand careful handling and a firm grasp of corporate law.

Roquemore Skierski’s Dallas-based shareholder dispute lawyers represent business owners, executives, and minority shareholders across Texas in high-stakes disputes. Our clients are actively involved in their companies; they’re founders, investors, and partners who need legal guidance that’s precise, proactive, and designed to protect ownership and value.

When we take on a case, we bring clarity and direction. Whether you’re enforcing your rights as a shareholder or defending your business against securities claims, we develop legal strategies grounded in experience and built for impact. We understand what’s at stake; your equity, your voice, and your future, and we fight to protect it.

What responsible shareholders should do when a dispute occurs

Your shareholder agreement and company bylaws will dictate how a dispute is handled, define the thresholds for extraordinary actions, and describe limits or rights of first refusal. These documents also set quorum rules, notice requirements, director elections, and buy sell triggers if separation becomes necessary. Shareholders should every operative clause and test proposed actions against the text so procedural missteps do not weaken their position. Our team at Roquemore Skierski regularly evaluates shareholder agreements and bylaws and uses their provisions to create leverage that moves disputing owners toward a practical resolution.

How bylaws and shareholder agreements help resolve disputes

Your shareholder agreement and company bylaws will dictate how a dispute is handled, define the thresholds for extraordinary actions, and describe limits or rights of first refusal. These documents also set quorum rules, notice requirements, director elections, and buy sell triggers if separation becomes necessary. Disputing shareholders should read every operative clause and test proposed actions against the text so procedural missteps do not weaken their position. The team at Roquemore Skierski regularly evaluates shareholder agreements and bylaws and uses their provisions to create leverage that move disputing owners toward practical resolution.

Court measures that can keep the business steady while issues are evaluated

Texas procedure offers several tools that can preserve your daily operations. Temporary restraining orders and temporary injunctions can pause asset transfers, protect customer lists and inventory, and maintain banking authority while a judge reviews your dispute. When information is blocked by an opposing party, courts can order inspection of records or an audit to verify the accuracy of the data. In narrow situations involving deadlock or credible evidence of misuse, a receivership with a defined mandate may be appropriate to safeguard the company while the dispute is resolved.

Choosing between direct and derivative claims in a closely held company

Direct claims are brought by an owner to address a harm to that owner, such as being denied voting rights, being removed from a board seat without proper authority, or being blocked from distributions promised by governing documents. The remedies target the owner and can include reinstatement to office, access to voting, targeted injunctions, or damages paid to the owner.

Derivative claims are brought by owners on the company’s behalf to address a harm to the company, such as overpayment to an insider vendor, diversion of a contract opportunity, or misuse of corporate funds. Any recovery belongs to the company and may include repayment, contract unwinds, governance changes, or control protections. In Texas, courts can relax some procedural steps so these claims can move forward in a simpler way and relief reaches the right place faster. In practice, many matters resolve through a combination of governance fixes, repayment with interest, adjusted distributions, or a buyout priced under agreed valuation terms, with court orders available if negotiations fail.

Where your matter may be heard and why the forum affects timing

Shareholder disputes in Dallas may proceed in district court or, if statutory criteria are met, in the Texas Business Court. Forum selection clauses, the amount in controversy, and the parties involved influence venue. Forum affects scheduling orders, motion practice, discovery management, and the route for any appeal. Verifying the correct venue early helps set realistic timelines and aligns litigation cadence with operational needs.

Texas blue sky rules that can influence leverage in owner disputes

When a company raises capital by selling stock or membership interests, it must either register the offering or rely on a valid exemption. Many private raises use a federal exemption that still requires a short Texas notice filing and fee soon after the first sale in the state. If filings were missed or disclosures were incomplete, investors may seek to unwind a purchase or claim losses, which affects leverage and price in any buyout discussion. A concise review of the cap table, subscription agreements, Form D, and any Texas notices will surface issues that belong in negotiations from the outset.

How we move shareholder disputes toward durable business outcomes

Our work aligns legal steps with the company’s long term goals. We stabilize operations, ground decisions in governing documents, and request proportionate court relief when it protects value. We design discovery around the decisions that matter, build credible valuation models, and structure settlement options that preserve customers and teams. If trial is required, we present documents first and conclusions second so the decision maker can see how the company operates in practice. This disciplined approach turns high temperature disagreements into a manageable process with clear, business focused endpoints.

our dallas Shareholder Dispute lawyers

Kelvin Roquemore

Founding Partner

Kelvin Roquemore is a Founding Partner of Roquemore Skierski, specializing in business and commercial litigation, with experience in business transactions, complex litigation, M&A, and commercial real estate. With over 25 years of in-house counsel and business litigation experience, he brings a strategic approach to supporting owner-operated small and medium-sized enterprises.

Doug Skierski

Founding Partner

Doug Skierski is a Founding Partner of Roquemore Skierski, and is an A/V-rated attorney with over 20 years of experience in bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, receiverships, and commercial litigation. He holds a J.D. from Southern Methodist University School of Law and has a strong background in complex commercial litigation and arbitration.

D. Shawn Stevens

Of Counsel

Dennis Shawn Stevens is a member of Roquemore Skierski with over 20 years of experience representing clients in business litigation, commercial disputes, and insurance-related claims. He holds a J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center and advises businesses on matters involving breach of contract, construction conflicts, and complex commercial torts.

Mark Ivanyo

Of Counsel

Mark Ivanyo has experience in complex commercial litigation, including contract disputes, product liability, and premises-related claims. He has experience representing businesses in state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration and administration. Mark holds a J.D. from South Texas College of Law and holds a B.B.A. in Management from Texas State University.

Alyssa Grissom

Paralegal

Alysa S. Grissom is a paralegal at Roquemore Skierski and is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization—an achievement held by fewer than 400 paralegals statewide. She holds an A.A. in Government, an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from Austin Community College, and a B.A. in Business, magna cum laude, from Concordia University Texas.