California Shareholder & Business Divorce Attorney
When your business partner becomes your adversary.
Strategic counsel for founders and co-owners navigating the hardest conversation in their business — when the partnership breaks down.
I have been on both sides of the table. I represent shareholders, founders and LLC members in complex ownership disputes, buyouts, and business divorces. My clients include women founders, creative professionals, and leading Roblox game developers navigating fast-growth and high-stakes equity issues.
Free Consultation
30+ Years Experience
Precision & Discretion
Women Founders Advocate
West Hollywood, CA
Who I Represent
LLC Member and Shareholder Dispute Lawyer
Are you a woman founder, co-owner, or entrepreneur facing business partnership challenges? I represent many women founders, business owners, and creative entrepreneurs in resolving LLC, partnership, and shareholder disputes.
If your agreement is broken, you have been locked out, or you’re facing a forced sale or removal — I help you protect ownership and resolve disputes with precision and discretion.
Women Founders
A slight majority of my clients are women. Women problem solve differently than men. I have dedicated my practice to advocacy for women entrepreneurs and business owners in high-stakes ownership negotiations.
Shareholders & Founders
My practice primarily focuses on shareholder disputes and disputes between co-founders. A well thought out shareholder agreement is an important framework for addressing voluntary and involuntary separation with the firm. Without one, we must negotiate a framework first to fairly separate a founder from the business.
Creative Professionals
I have represented architects, film producers, music makers and software developers through the problems of a business divorce.
Roblox & Tech Developers
Younger entrepreneurs often do not have documentation for the licensing on Roblox worked out or a framework for the many partnerships and alliances necessary for a successful Roblox game. I’ve worked with some of the top Roblox and game developers.
Who I Represent
Why You Shouldn't Negotiate Alone
If you’re in conflict with your LLC members, partners, or shareholders, don’t go it alone. I help clients:
- Identify their leverage and best legal strategy
- Negotiate favorable resolutions to ownership disputes
- Protect control of their company and long-term value
Whether you're being locked out, frozen out of decisions, or need to exit strategically — I'll help you get back on track.
Every successful resolution begins with a plan. Your relationship with your co-founder or shareholder is rarely just financial — it’s often personal and emotional. I ask precise questions and dig deeply into your agreements, equity structure, and governance documents to build a tailored strategy for resolution.
Common Business Divorce Issues
What I Help You Resolve
Control & Decision-Making
- Who controls the company?
- Can your partners remove you as a manager or director?
- Are there checks and balances in your operating or shareholder agreement?
50/50 Deadlocks & Founder Departures
- Who controls the company?
- Can your partners remove you as a manager or director?
- Are there checks and balances in your operating or shareholder agreement?
Financing & Valuation
- Who controls the company?
- Can your partners remove you as a manager or director?
- Are there checks and balances in your operating or shareholder agreement?
Agreements & Revenue Streams
- Who controls the company?
- Can your partners remove you as a manager or director?
- Are there checks and balances in your operating or shareholder agreement?
Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy
- Who controls the company?
- Can your partners remove you as a manager or director?
- Are there checks and balances in your operating or shareholder agreement?
Litigation & Conflict Avoidance
- Who controls the company?
- Can your partners remove you as a manager or director?
- Are there checks and balances in your operating or shareholder agreement?
Empowering Women Founders
Leveling the Playing Field
I am proud to represent women entrepreneurs, creators, and tech founders building the next generation of companies. My approach combines legal precision, business insight, and empathy — ensuring that your business relationships and ownership rights are protected.
Listen to my podcast The Art of Negotiation. Practical tools for entrepreneurs navigating deals and disputes.
About Gregory
Cooley Godward and Loudcloud trained — 30+ year California lawyer when your business partner becomes your adversary.
I have been on both sides of the table. I represent shareholders, founders and LLC members in complex ownership disputes, buyouts, and business divorces — combining legal depth with a practical, business-oriented approach to protect ownership rights and preserve long-term value.
In every engagement I ask the right questions, dig into the facts, and design solutions aligned with your business plan. Precision and discretion — from protecting your ownership to resolving disputes efficiently.
Next Steps
If your partnership is broken or at risk, let's talk.
We’ll review your agreements, identify leverage, and create a plan to resolve disputes efficiently and protect your ownership. Contact me today to discuss your business situation and learn how I can help.
Let's Discuss Your Situation
Whether you’re facing a shareholder dispute, partnership conflict, forced buyout, or questions about ownership and control, getting the right advice early can make all the difference.
With over 30 years of experience, Gregory Rutchik helps founders, shareholders, and business owners protect their interests and navigate complex business disputes with confidence.
Call 310-448-6743 for a Free Consult
tell me your situation and I will respond promptly.
Licensed in California, Connecticut & New York