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COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

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A commercial dispute arises when there is a conflict between the people who own or run a business. These disputes can surface in any business structure — corporations, partnerships or joint ventures — and they can escalate quickly if not handled properly.

Common Corporate Disputes

Our lawyers have represented clients in a range of corporate disputes, including:

Shareholder disputes: disagreements over how the company is operated, managed or valued.

Oppression claims: conduct by shareholders or directors that is unfairly prejudicial to certain shareholders.

Breach of fiduciary duty: directors or officers who place their personal interests above those of the company.

Partnership disputes: conflicts over decision-making, profit sharing or exit terms.

Shotgun clause disputes: buy-sell mechanisms in shareholder agreements that have been triggered improperly or in bad faith.

Derivative actions: lawsuits brought on behalf of a corporation when those in control refuse to act.

Who We Represent

We act for clients on all sides of corporate disputes, including:

  • Minority shareholders who have been frozen out, oppressed or denied their fair share.

  • Majority shareholders defending against unfounded claims or managing a partner exit.

  • Directors and officers facing personal liability.

  • Business owners whose partner wants out — or who need to get out themselves.

  • Corporations seeking to recover losses caused by disloyal insiders.

If your business relationship has broken down and you need experienced legal representation, we can help.

Why Pinto Shekib LLP?

Corporate disputes are uniquely high-stakes. They involve not just legal risk but the survival of a business, professional reputations and often years of personal investment. 

You need lawyers who understand both the law and the commercial reality behind the conflict.

Our team has deep experience in shareholder litigation, oppression remedies and corporate governance disputes. We know how these cases develop, where they settle, and when they need to go to court. 

We approach every file as trial lawyers — prepared to litigate from day one, which consistently produces better outcomes at the negotiating table.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I sue my business partner personally?
    Yes. In certain circumstances — such as breach of fiduciary duty or fraud — partners and directors can be held personally liable for losses they have caused.
  • What is an oppression remedy?
    It is a powerful legal remedy available to shareholders under the Ontario Business Corporations Act, when the company's affairs are being conducted in a way that is unfairly prejudicial to them. Courts have broad discretion to order a wide range of relief, including damages.
  • Can the court force a buyout?
    Yes. In appropriate cases, courts can order one shareholder to buy out another at fair value — even without a triggering event in the shareholder agreement.

Contact Pinto Shekib LLP, Your Toronto Commercial Litigation Lawyers

Contact us at 416.901.9984 or info@pintoshekib.ca for a confidential consultation.