Director Dispute Solicitors
Experienced solicitors in London and the South East, resolving director disputes strategically and effectively.
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When business relationships break down.
Property disputes can be stressful, complex and expensive. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, tenant, investor or developer, disagreements over land, leases or ownership can have serious legal and financial consequences.
At Thomas Mansfield Solicitors, our specialist property disputes solicitors provide clear, strategic advice to help you resolve disputes efficiently and protect your interests. We work with individuals, businesses and institutions across London and the South East, using negotiation, mediation and, where necessary, court proceedings to secure the best possible outcome.
What are director disputes?
Director disputes can arise for many reasons, including:
- Breach of fiduciary duties or director misconduct.
- Misuse of company assets or confidential information can trigger personal liability.
- Strategic disagreements and deadlock in decision-making.
- Removal or resignation of a director.
- Conflicts of interest or competing business interests.
- Disputes involving family-run or owner-managed businesses.
We represent both individual directors and the board as a whole, providing objective, outcome-driven advice aligned with your commercial aims.
Who we help in director disputes
- Individual directors.
- Shareholders in owner-managed companies.
- Company boards and in-house counsel.
Our team advises across all stages, from initial disagreements to formal litigation. We resolve disputes swiftly – safeguarding business interests, reputations and long-term goals.
Legal routes for resolving director disputes.
The right resolution strategy will depend on the nature of the dispute and your role within the board or company. We help clients address a wide range of director-specific issues, including:
- Claims for breach of directors’ duties – Advising on breaches of fiduciary duty under the Companies Act 2006, including conflicts of interest, misuse of company assets or acting without authority.
- Injunctions – Applying for urgent court orders to prevent harmful actions by a director or protect company assets and information.
- Boardroom deadlock – Advising on mechanisms to resolve stalemate in decision-making, including provisions in shareholders’ agreements or articles of association.
- Negotiated exits – Handling the voluntary or involuntary resignation of directors, including terms of departure, settlement and post-termination restrictions.
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution – Helping parties reach constructive, confidential agreements without litigation.
- Internal investigations – Supporting the company in investigating director conduct or performance before taking formal steps.
We work with individual directors, company boards and legal counsel to resolve matters strategically, discreetly and with a clear focus on business continuity.
Why director disputes need specialist legal advice
Director disputes often escalate because personal liability, loss of control and reputational damage are not addressed early
Disputes often involve not just legal complexity, but business sensitivity. A mishandled dispute can escalate quickly, damaging the company’s operations, reputation and shareholder value.
We focus on:
- Preserving business continuity wherever possible.
- Protecting confidential company information and data.
- Minimising reputational risk and financial loss.
- Exploring out-of-court solutions before litigation.
- Navigating internal governance documents such as shareholder agreements and articles of association.
Call our dispute resolution team on 020 8681 8140 or
Meet our dispute resolution team
Why clients choose us to resolve their property disputes.
- Specialist dispute resolution team – We have extensive experience resolving high-value director disputes across sectors.
- Trusted legal partner to SMEs and growing companies – Our clients include directors, shareholders and business owners across London and the South East.
- Recognised for excellence – Lexcel-accredited and shortlisted for the 2026 LexisNexis Legal Awards for dispute resolution.
- Commercially focused, strategic advice – We help you take control of the situation and protect your interests.
Need advice on a director dispute?
Whether you’re facing a breakdown in the boardroom, concerns about breach of duty or a dispute with fellow directors or shareholders, we’re here to help.
Explore our dispute resolution expertise
Frequently asked questions
What are the fiduciary duties of a director?
Directors owe duties to act in good faith in the best interests of the company. These include duties of care, skill, diligence, loyalty and to avoid conflicts of interest. Breaching these duties may result in personal liability.
Can a director be removed from the board?
Yes, but only through the correct legal process. This may involve shareholder resolutions, reference to a shareholders’ agreement, or court proceedings where misconduct is involved.
What is unfair prejudice in director disputes?
Unfair prejudice occurs when a director or shareholder’s conduct harms the interests of one or more shareholders. Section 994 of the Companies Act 2006 allows affected shareholders to apply to the court for a remedy.
How long do director dispute cases take to resolve?
This depends on the complexity and whether litigation is involved. With early legal advice and clear strategy, many disputes can be resolved through negotiation, saving time and cost.
Do I need to go to court to resolve a director dispute?
Not necessarily. Many director disputes can be resolved through mediation or negotiated exit arrangements. We assess your circumstances and recommend the best route.
What is a derivative claim in director disputes?
A derivative claim allows a director or shareholder to bring a claim on behalf of the company for breach of duty. Court permission is required, and the claim must clearly benefit the company.
Can director disputes be resolved without court?
Yes. Many director disputes are resolved without court proceedings. Negotiation, mediation and structured exit agreements can often achieve a faster, more cost-effective outcome while preserving confidentiality and business continuity. Court action is usually a last resort where agreement cannot be reached or urgent protection is needed.
What remedies are available if a director breaches their duties?
Remedies depend on the breach and may include financial compensation, restitution of misused assets, injunctions to prevent further misconduct, or removal from office. Courts aim to restore the company’s position and protect shareholders. Early legal advice ensures the right strategy is chosen and helps limit financial and reputational damage.
Contact us
Contacting the right person couldn’t be easier. Use our form or call us to speak to an experienced dispute resolution solicitor in confidence.
Please note we do not offer legal aid or no win no fee agreements.