Shareholder Dispute Lawyer Brisbane & Queensland
When trust breaks down between business owners, EAGLEGATE acts — advising on oppression claims, negotiated exits, urgent injunctions and court proceedings across Brisbane, Queensland and Australia under the Corporations Act.
When trust breaks down between business owners, the stakes are high. Shareholder disputes can freeze operations, destroy business value, and fracture relationships built over years. EAGLEGATE acts for shareholders, directors and business partners across Brisbane and Queensland — delivering strategic, commercially focused legal advice when business relationships unravel.
Our commercial litigation team combines deep experience in corporate law with a genuine understanding of how businesses operate. We move fast, advise clearly, and pursue outcomes aligned with your commercial interests — whether that means negotiating a resolution, enforcing your rights, or commencing proceedings in the Supreme Court of Queensland or Federal Court of Australia.
When business relationships break down, decisive advice changes the outcome.
Our Expertise
Oppression Claims — Section 232
Where the conduct of a company’s affairs is oppressive, unfairly prejudicial or discriminatory toward a shareholder, EAGLEGATE pursues relief under section 232 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). The Court holds broad powers — including ordering a buyout of shares, modifying the company’s constitution, or winding up the company. See our Shareholder Oppression Lawyers Brisbane page for detail on section 232 claims and remedies.
Winding Up on Just and Equitable Grounds
Where trust between shareholders has irretrievably broken down, EAGLEGATE advises on and pursues applications to wind up a company on just and equitable grounds under section 461 of the Corporations Act — and defends against such applications where necessary.
Enforcement of Shareholders Agreements
Where a Shareholders Agreement exists, EAGLEGATE acts to enforce its terms — share transfer mechanisms, dispute resolution clauses, non-compete obligations, deadlock provisions. Where no agreement exists, we advise on rights under the company’s constitution and the Corporations Act. See our Shareholders Agreement Lawyers Brisbane page for advice on drafting, reviewing and enforcing Shareholders Agreements.
Urgent Injunctions & Preservation Orders
Where a shareholder’s rights are being actively undermined — through asset stripping, board removal, or share transfer in breach of agreement — urgent relief may be required. EAGLEGATE acts swiftly to bring interlocutory injunctions and preservation orders on short notice.
Negotiated Exits & Share Buyouts
Not every dispute requires litigation. EAGLEGATE negotiates commercial exits — structured share buyouts, managed transitions and confidential settlements — that preserve business value and avoid court costs.
Partnership Disputes
Where business partners disagree over management, profits or direction, EAGLEGATE advises on rights and remedies under partnership law and applicable agreements — pursuing resolution through negotiation, mediation or litigation.
Minority shareholders facing exclusion, dilution or unfair treatment have specific legal rights under the Corporations Act. See our Minority Shareholder Rights Lawyer Brisbane page.
Our Approach
Understand the Commercial Goal
We begin by understanding what outcome matters most to you — not just what legal rights you have. Every shareholder dispute carries business and reputational risk that must be managed alongside the legal strategy.
Assess and Advise
We map your rights and remedies, assess the evidence, and advise honestly on prospects and costs. You receive a clear, frank assessment before significant costs are committed.
Demand and Negotiate
A strategically framed demand or without-prejudice approach can achieve resolution quickly. EAGLEGATE negotiates from a position of legal clarity and commercial understanding.
Apply for Urgent Relief
Where conduct is ongoing and causing immediate harm, we apply for urgent injunctions or preservation orders, preparing affidavit material and appearing before a duty judge on short notice.
Litigate with Precision
Where resolution cannot be achieved, we run proceedings with precision — evidence gathering, pleadings, expert evidence and hearings — with a clear commercial objective throughout.
Why EAGLEGATE
- Experienced Commercial Litigators — Specific expertise in shareholder and partnership disputes, including oppression claims, winding up applications and urgent injunctions in the Supreme Court of Queensland and Federal Court.
- Deep Corporations Act Knowledge — Detailed knowledge of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) combined with the equitable principles that apply in quasi-partnership and closely held company disputes.
- Commercially Focused — Shareholder disputes are business problems, not just legal problems. Advice anchored to your commercial objective throughout.
- Boutique Precision — You deal with the lawyers who run your matter, not a rotating team of juniors.
- Doyle’s Guide-recognised 2020-2026 — Seven consecutive years of recognition as a Recommended Lawyer in Queensland — a sustained record of expertise and client outcomes across the EAGLEGATE practice.
Recent Cases
May v McCurdy & Anor [2026] QSC 40 — Supreme Court of Queensland
EAGLEGATE acted for Dale May, a 49% minority shareholder in Auto Trans Tech Qld Pty Ltd, where the majority shareholders and directors were alleged to have siphoned funds from the company through fictitious loans, unexplained payments and fictitious wages. EAGLEGATE obtained leave under section 237 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) for Mr May to bring a derivative action on behalf of the company, and access to the company’s books of account under section 247A. The company was joined as a party to the proceedings.
Read the judgment on AustLII | Read our article on this case
Insights
- What is shareholder oppression?
Section 232 of the Corporations Act 2001 allows a shareholder to apply to Court where conduct is oppressive, unfairly prejudicial or discriminatory. Courts have applied this to exclusion from management, share dilution, dividend withholding and diversion of company opportunities.
- What remedies are available?
The Court can order a share buyout, modify the company’s constitution, restrain specific conduct, or wind up the company. The appropriate remedy depends on the facts and your commercial objective.
- Do I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many shareholder disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation before proceedings commence. However, commencing proceedings or obtaining urgent interim relief is sometimes the only way to protect your position.
- How long does a shareholder dispute take?
Many disputes settle within 3–6 months. Contested proceedings through to trial typically take 12–24 months depending on complexity.
- How much does it cost?
Costs vary significantly. EAGLEGATE provides a frank assessment at the outset. Some stages of matters suit fixed-fee or staged-fee arrangements — ask at your first consultation.
Book a 30-minute confidential consultation.
Disputes are inevitable. Losses aren’t. Act before the damage compounds.