Protect Your Investment And Your Business: Houston Shareholder Dispute Trial Lawyer
A shareholder dispute is more than a legal technicality – it’s a threat to your company’s stability and your financial future. Whether you are facing a breach of fiduciary duty or a freeze-out, you need a strategy that moves as fast as your business does.
At Patterson PC, our founder and award-winning Houston business litigation attorney, Mr. Pete T. Patterson, is double board-certified in civil trial law and personal injury trial law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. When you hire us for your case, you will receive experienced legal representation and cost-efficient solutions that flawlessly align with your unique needs and effectively protect your business interests.
To discuss your goals and concerns, please call us in Houston at 713-804-9318 or complete our contact form. Patterson PC represents clients throughout Texas, as well as clients with headquarters in other states.
We Assist Clients In A Wide Variety Of Shareholder Disputes
We encourage you to reach out to our legal team if you have questions or concerns about any of the following:
- Financial disputes over dividends and ROI
- Breaches of shareholder agreements
- Disputes over executive compensation
- LLC member disputes
- Minority shareholder disputes
- Actions against management by shareholders
- Fraud and deceptive practices
- Securities fraud
- Shareholder oppression
To learn more about the high level of service and representation that we provide, please visit our case results and client testimonials pages.
Experienced Legal Representation On Shareholder Litigation
There may be multiple options for resolving a shareholder dispute. At Patterson PC, we generally pursue out-of-court solutions such as negotiation, mediation or arbitration when possible. However, we always make every case trial-ready because that can ensure that you are in the best possible position to win, even if the dispute never goes to trial.
As of 2026, attorney Patterson is one of 118 attorneys across Texas who are double board certified. That is roughly one-tenth of 1% of all attorneys in Texas. When you collaborate with Mr. Patterson, he will relentlessly champion your rights and your best interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Shareholder Disputes
Shareholder disputes can put your money and rights at risk. Early action can help you understand your choices and what steps may protect your interests. The following answers address questions during a Texas shareholder dispute:
Is “minority shareholder oppression” a legal claim in Texas?
Not as a stand-alone claim under common law. In Ritchie v. Rupe, the Texas Supreme Court refused to create a separate claim for minority shareholder oppression. That does not mean you lack options when owners treat you unfairly or misuse company power. Depending on the facts, you may have claims based on a contract, fraud, a breach of duty or wrongful acts. Texas law can allow a court to appoint a receiver when company leaders act in an oppressive way and legal standards apply. We can review the conduct and determine which claims or remedies may fit your case.
Can I stop the company from selling assets or merging while a dispute is pending?
Possibly, but a pending lawsuit does not, by itself, stop a sale or merger. If the deal could cause harm that money cannot fix, you may ask the court for a temporary order that blocks the action. You still must meet the legal test for that relief, and the court will look at the facts, the harm you face and your claim before it acts. Timing matters because a deal may change the dispute and your options. If company leaders plan to sell assets or close a merger, we can assess whether quick court action may protect your rights.
Can a Texas court dissolve a corporation because shareholders are deadlocked?
Yes, but a deadlock does not make dissolution automatic. Texas law may allow a court to appoint a receiver when company leaders cannot agree, the owners cannot break the deadlock and the dispute causes or threatens harm to the business. Courts must also consider whether another legal or equitable remedy can solve the problem. Liquidation may follow if a receivership cannot correct the condition, so courts do not treat dissolution as a routine answer to owner conflict. We can assess the deadlock, the harm to the company and the remedies that may protect your investment.
Don’t Let A Dispute Derail Your Business – Contact Us Today
Our business litigation law firm serves entrepreneurs, corporations and individual professionals in the Houston area and all of Texas. To discuss your shareholder dispute in full confidentiality with Mr. Patterson, call our office today to arrange your appointment or leave us a message online.