We Represent Minority Shareholders in New Jersey 

Charles Z. Schalk is a New Jersey minority shareholder action lawyer who is committed to protecting the rights, interests, and investment of clients. Our firm knows that many minority shareholders have put a tremendous amount of time, energy, and financial resources into the business. If you have any specific questions or concerns about a minority shareholder action, we are here to help you determine the best course of action. Contact us today for a completely confidential initial case review with a top-rated New Jersey minority shareholder rights lawyer. 

What is a Minority Shareholder Action?

A minority shareholder action refers to legal steps taken by minority shareholders when they believe that their rights are being infringed upon or that the company is being mismanaged. These shareholders—those being the ones who own a smaller fraction of the company’s shares and thus have limited control over corporate decisions—may run into serious issues. Some of the potential issues that could lead to a minority shareholder taking legal action include: 

  • Misappropriation of assets; 
  • Suppression of dividends; 
  • The exclusion from decision-making processes; 
  • Unfair mergers and/or acquisitions; and
  • Other forms of shareholder oppression. 

Many Minority Shareholders of Closely-Held Corporations Also Work for the Business

In some cases, minority shareholders are also employees of the business or work for the business. It is especially common with small businesses and closely-held corporations. A closely held corporation is a type of company characterized by a small group of shareholders and no public market for its shares. Ownership is usually concentrated among a few people. The dual role can lead to unique challenges and conflicts. As employees, they contribute to the daily operations and strategic direction of the company. However, as minority shareholders, they often lack the power to influence broader corporate policies or decisions that affect the value of their shares. It is crucial for shareholders who work for the corporation to understand their rights under federal and state law. 

Key Law

By definition, minority shareholders have relatively limited control over the company. State law provides some important legal protections to minority shareholders. These laws are designed to protect the rights and the interests of shareholders within the state’s corporations. The laws include provisions to prevent unfair treatment and ensure equitable decision-making. Among other things, it mandates transparency in corporate governance and sets guidelines for resolving disputes between shareholders and management. These laws also impose restrictions on mergers and acquisitions to protect minority interests from being overridden. 

We Handle the Full Range of Minority Shareholder Actions in New Jersey

Charles Z. Schalk is a minority shareholder protection lawyer who is committed to protecting the best interests of clients. We represent shareholders across a broad spectrum of matters. Along with other types of minority shareholder actions, our New Jersey attorney has the skills and experience to take on: 

  • Shareholder Oppression Claims: Shareholder oppression occurs when the actions of majority shareholders or the company’s directors unfairly prejudice the minority’s interests. In New Jersey, our firm helps clients in challenging these serious issues. Some examples of conduct that could lead to a claim of shareholder oppression include, withholding dividends, excluding shareholders from key meetings, or making decisions that disproportionately benefit the majority at the expense of the minority. We put our clients’ interests first. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights, please do not hesitate to contact our New Jersey shareholder oppression attorney today. 
  • Unfair Prejudice Claims: Unfair prejudice claims arise when minority shareholders are treated in a manner that significantly impairs their rights or interests. Some examples include situations where there are manipulations in the issuance of additional shares, the mismanagement of corporate assets, or strategic decisions that dilute the minority’s share value. Contact our New Jersey minority shareholder action attorney today for guidance and support with an unfair prejudice claim. 
  • Breach of Contract Claims: Breach of contract claims involve situations where there is a violation of agreements related to shareholder rights—such as a buy-sell agreement, a shareholder agreement, or an employment contract. Breach of contract can have serious implications for minority shareholders who rely on these agreements for their investment protection and operational roles within the company. If you have any specific questions or concerns about breach of contract cases, contact our New Jersey minority shareholder lawyer for immediate help. 
  • Employment Law Matters: As noted previously, some minority shareholders are employees of the business. Employment law issues can overlap with minority shareholder disputes. These issues might include wrongful termination, discrimination, or other employment practices that affect their status as shareholders. For immediate help with any type of employment law issue, contact our New Jersey employee rights attorney today. 

Why Rely On New Jersey Minority Shareholder Lawyer Charles Z. Schalk

Are you a minority shareholder who has run into issues dealing with your company? You may have a ton of questions about your rights and your options. New Jersey shareholder law is complicated. Minority shareholders need to be prepared to protect their best interests. Charles Z. Schalk is a top-tier employment lawyer with extensive experience helping minority shareholders navigate complex cases. Among other things, our New Jersey minority shareholder action lawyer will: 

  • Hear what you have to say and answer your legal questions;
  • Thoroughly review the shareholder agreement; 
  • Investigate the matter—gathering all relevant evidence;
  • Advocate for you in any settlement negotiations with the company; and
  • Develop a personalized strategy to protect your financial interests,

Contact Our New Jersey Minority Shareholder Actions Attorney for Immediate Help 

Charles Z. Schalk is a New Jersey minority shareholder actions lawyer standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. Our law firm is committed to personalized, professional legal representation. If you have any specific questions or concerns about a minority shareholder action in New Jersey, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial appointment. Our firm represents minority shareholders in legal actions throughout New Jersey.