Disputes between business partners or shareholders often feel personal. And many times they are. A dispute between shareholders can turn what once felt like a shared success story - oftentimes between friends or family - into a stressful legal challenge. When ownership interests, profits, future employment, and company control are at stake, you need experienced counsel who can protect your investment, give you frank and strategic advice, and guide you toward resolution, whether that be through settlement or trial.
That’s where Plakas Mannos comes in. Our team of seasoned Ohio corporate attorneys and shareholder dispute attorneys has decades of experience representing business owners, investors, and professionals in complex ownership and partnership conflicts. Many times this involves closely held corporations or family businesses. We combine business sense with genuine empathy and courtroom skill to help our clients protect what they’ve built and chart a path forward.
Every shareholder dispute is different. Some involve minority shareholder freeze outs, breach of fiduciary duty, or misuse of company funds. Others center on valuation disagreements, buyouts, employment performance disputes, or deadlocked boards.
Whatever the issue, our attorneys have experience with it. We’ve represented countless clients on both sides — shareholders seeking fairness and majority owners defending their decisions — giving us a 360-degree perspective that informs every strategy we craft. We are unique in having significant experience representing each side, and this benefits you
Our goal is simple: achieve the outcome that best serves your business interests, whether through negotiation, mediation, or trial.
Not every shareholder dispute needs to end up in court — but if it does, you want business partnership lawyers who have been there before with experience in both the courtroom and the boardroom. Plakas Mannos has earned a statewide reputation for results in high-stakes business litigation, including multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements.
That trial experience gives our clients leverage. Opposing counsel and judges know we’re prepared to take cases all the way when it matters — and that readiness often helps drive faster, more favorable resolutions outside of court, ultimately saving you time, money, and stress
Our firm has deep roots in Northeast Ohio, with a strong record of success in Stark, Summit, Cuyahoga, Tuscarawas, Mahoning, and surrounding counties. We understand the local courts, judges, and legal landscape — and we use that insight to move cases efficiently and strategically.
We also frequently serve as local counsel for out-of-state firms and corporate clients involved in Ohio business litigation in state and federal court, offering seamless coordination and trusted on-the-ground experience.
A shareholder dispute doesn’t just affect your finances — it can impact relationships, reputation, the future of your company, and your very identity. That’s why we take the time to understand what truly matters to you before developing a plan.
We’ll walk you through your legal rights, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about the path forward. You’ll always know where your case stands — and what to expect next. We will chart that path together
For more than 60 years, Plakas Mannos has been known throughout Ohio for its integrity, professionalism, and relentless advocacy. We’ve helped countless business owners and professionals alike navigate complex shareholder disputes — protecting their rights while preserving what they’ve worked so hard to create.
Our reputation in the courtroom, in the boardroom, and at the negotiation table is one of our clients’ greatest assets.
If you’re dealing with a shareholder dispute — or suspect one may be developing — now is the time to get experienced legal guidance. The earlier you understand your rights and obligations, the more control you’ll have over the outcome.
Contact Plakas Mannos today to speak with an experienced Ohio shareholder dispute lawyer. As part of our business litigation team, Attorneys Lee Plakas, Gary Corroto, Maria Klutinoty Edwards, and Collin Wise will help you protect your ownership interests, safeguard your company’s future, and give you the ability to move forward with confidence.