Business Law & Contracts Insights

Minority shareholder oppression occurs when majority owners in closely held New York businesses abuse control to exclude minority shareholders from the economic benefits of ownership. Common issues include freeze‑outs, withheld distributions, lack of transparency, and self‑dealing. New York courts offer remedies ranging from damages to buy‑outs and dissolution, making early legal guidance critical.

Breach of fiduciary duty claims in New York City commonly arise in closely held businesses, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofits. Directors, officers, managers, and controlling owners owe duties of care and loyalty, and violations can result in serious legal and financial consequences. Understanding common risk areas—such as self-dealing, conflicts of interest, and misuse of assets—can help business owners avoid disputes and protect their organizations.

This article explains how internal governance documents—bylaws, operating agreements, and certificates—interact with state laws in New York and New Jersey. It highlights how default and mandatory statutes affect corporations, LLCs, and nonprofits, and why clear, up-to-date governance documents are essential for avoiding disputes and ensuring effective management.

Disputes among shareholders or partners can disrupt even the most successful businesses. This article explains how to address deadlocks, buyouts, and fiduciary-duty issues under New York and New Jersey law.

Every business contract contains clauses that can make or break your protection. This article explains termination, indemnity, confidentiality, and arbitration clauses—helping small business owners understand how to manage risk and protect their interests.

Forming an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit in New York or New Jersey involves key differences in cost, tax treatment, and compliance. This article compares each entity type and highlights what business owners should consider when choosing the right structure.

Many companies need regular legal advice but not a full-time lawyer. An Outside General Counsel provides ongoing legal support—reviewing contracts, managing risk, and helping leadership make informed decisions. This article explains how Good Pine serves as a practical legal partner for businesses in New York and New Jersey through the Outside General Counsel model.