At first, everything was great.

You built something from scratch with a friend, family member, or business partner. You split the responsibilities. You shared the risks. You dreamed big.

But now, things are not so great.

There is tension over money. (Ironically often when success occurs). Disagreements over direction. One person thinks they are doing all the work. Another feels pushed out. Or maybe you discovered behavior that crossed a line—ethically, financially, or legally.

This is the point where a partnership or shareholder dispute often begins.

What Makes These Disputes Different

Business litigation is complex. But partnership and shareholder disputes add a unique twist:

They are personal.

You are not just arguing about numbers or contracts. You are often arguing with someone you once trusted—someone who knows where the skeletons are buried.

These disputes are emotionally charged. The damage is not just financial—it is relational. That is why our first step at Brick Gentry is not writing a motion.

Our first step is listening.

Step One: Understanding the Relationship

Before we can advise you on rights, remedies, or courtroom strategy, we need to understand:

• What does your operating agreement or shareholder agreement say (if one exists)?
• What roles and expectations were understood—even if not written down?
• What financial contributions and sweat equity were made?
• What events triggered the dispute?

We often find that the written agreements only tell half the story. The rest is in the history—and that is where our litigation strategy starts to take shape.

Step Two: Knowing the Leverage Points

We approach every dispute by identifying key leverage points:

• Fiduciary duties: Did a member or officer breach their duty of loyalty or care?
• Minority shareholder oppression: Is someone being frozen out of management or profits?
• Deadlock: Are there decisions that cannot move forward because of a 50/50 split?
• Unauthorized actions: Has someone taken company money, entered contracts, or hired people without authority?

We need to understand these issues to position your case for settlement leverage or trial strategy—whichever serves your best interest.

Step Three: Balancing Business and Litigation Strategy

Some clients come to us ready for war.

Others just want out.

We guide you through both tracks:

1. Business exit strategy
   Sometimes the smartest move is to negotiate a buyout. We draft terms that protect you long after the paperwork is signed—non-competes, release of liabilities, tax considerations, and more.
2. Litigation strategy
   Other times, negotiation fails. That is when you need our litigation team. We use targeted discovery, expert financial analysis, and persuasive courtroom advocacy to push your case forward.

Either way, you are never left wondering about your options. You will know what we are doing, why we are doing it, and what comes next.

Real-World Example

A recent client, a co-founder of a successful company, came to us after being locked out of the company’s bank accounts.

The other partner had taken control of operations and shut off communication.

There was no buy-sell agreement.

Our team:

• Filed an emergency motion for injunctive relief.
• Moved quickly to protect the company accounts from further dissipation of funds.
• Conducted a thorough review of financials and unauthorized transactions.
• Used that pressure to negotiate a favorable buyout that allowed our client to walk away with a clean break and real compensation.

The lesson?

When things get messy, strategy matters more than emotion.

Why Brick Gentry

We have been representing business owners across Iowa for decades. What sets us apart is not just our legal knowledge—it is our ability to handle sensitive, high-stakes disputes with precision and perspective.

Our approach combines:

• Deep experience in business formation and litigation.
• Strategic use of corporate records and financial data.
• Negotiation techniques that reflect our understanding of people—not just paper.

And above all, we treat your business like it is ours—because we know how much it means to you.

Final Thought

If your business relationship is breaking down, do not wait until things spiral. Every delay can cost you leverage.

Instead, sit down with someone who knows not just how to handle the legal fight—but also how to solve the business problem.