Directors, Shareholders & Executives

Acting for Directors, Shareholders and Senior Executives

When you operate at board or senior executive level, your legal needs are often more complex than standard employment law. Your contracts, duties and protections may overlap with company, shareholder, and partnership agreements. This is a very complex area of law.

At BTMK Solicitors we help directors, shareholders and senior executives navigate these complexities, from contract drafting to resolving disputes, so that your position remains secure and your path forward is clear.

BTMK Solicitors, has also been recognised as a top 250 law firm in The Times’ Best Law Firms Report 2025, for their high-quality legal services.

It’s the second year in a row and the report specifically references BTMK’s litigation & dispute resolution team which specialises in commercial and contract disputes, inheritance, wills and probate disputes, insolvency & employment law, as well as personal injury and clinical negligence work.

Specialist Advice for Complex Roles

As a director or senior employee, your employment contract may need to be read alongside shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, or the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association. Restrictive covenants and fiduciary duties can also come into play, meaning you may be bound by multiple sets of obligations that need a precise, nuanced approach.

At BTMK Solicitors our employment and corporate teams work closely together so that every part of your legal framework is considered. You get coordinated advice that covers your employment, equity and company law obligations.

Common Disputes

Even with the best intentions, breakdowns can happen. Here are some disputes we resolve:

• Breach of director duties or conflicts of interest: Directors must avoid any possibility of conflict and must not profit from opportunities that belong to the company.
• Unfair prejudice and boardroom exclusion: Minority shareholders may feel unfairly treated if excluded from decision-making or denied dividends. Courts can intervene under the Companies Act to remedy abuse of power.
• Deadlock and strategic impasse: When equally powerful directors and shareholders cannot agree, the company risks paralysis. These deadlocks are common in 50/50-owned businesses and where the articles or shareholders’ agreement lacks resolution mechanisms.
• Restrictive covenant enforcement: Post-departure, senior individuals may be subject to covenants on non-competition, non-solicitation or confidentiality. These appear in employment contracts and shareholders’ agreements. Courts allow longer restrictions in shareholder contexts (often two or three years) given the greater bargaining power involved.
• Shareholder agreement breaches: Acts such as selling or transferring shares against the agreement, breaking confidentiality, or failing to respect governance provisions may trigger remedies such as damages, injunctions, or even compulsory share transfer provisions.
• Derivative or fiduciary claims: A derivative claim is a unique legal tool allowing a shareholder to step in and take action on behalf of the company when those in control have acted improperly.

Supporting You in Disputes and Negotiations

Even with the best intentions, breakdowns can happen and often it is at board level where problems are most acute. The specialists at BTMK act for directors and shareholders in disputes over contracts, remuneration, restrictive covenants, bonus schemes, and termination arrangements. Where possible, we look to resolve matters through negotiation or mediation, but when litigation is necessary, we represent your interests with precision. Our combined teams consider both the employment and company law aspects, considering how these may affect your personal and professional interests.

Planning and Managing Exits

Leaving a senior role often requires more than agreeing an employment termination. You may need to settle shareholder claims, address directorship liabilities, or release yourself from partnership obligations. We account for tax, equity, governance and reputation and coordinate across our departments to negotiate comprehensive exit packages that deal with all of these issues, aiming for a clean break and the best possible outcome for you.

Why Choose BTMK Solicitors?

With BTMK you are supported by specialists in employment, corporate law and dispute resolution working as one team. We look at your situation, not just as a contract issue, but also a governance, equity or regulatory matter. Your contracts and obligations are assessed in their wider legal context, rather than in isolation and our focus is on giving you clarity, practical advice and a strategy that protects your long-term interests.

Speak to Our Team

If you are a director, shareholder or senior executive facing a contractual issue, dispute or career change, contact BTMK Solicitors today. We will help you navigate complex agreements, protect your position and achieve a resolution that works for you, helping you steer through challenges with assurance and clarity.