Can I force out a business partner in Georgia?

Generally not on your own, unless the operating or partnership agreement provides a way to do it. GA Law Group reviews your governing documents and advises on available legal options, which may include a forced buyout, a judicial dissolution proceeding, or a negotiated exit.

My former employee is working for my competitor and using my customer list. What can I do?

Act quickly. GA Law Group can seek an emergency temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the appropriate Georgia Superior Court to stop the conduct while the merits of the case are litigated. Delay in these cases can result in irreparable harm.

Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Georgia?

Often, yes. Covenants signed on or after May 11, 2011 are governed by Georgia's Restrictive Covenants Act and must be reasonable in time, territory, and scope. For employees, two years or less is presumed reasonable; covenants made in the sale of a business can run up to five years. A court can narrow an overbroad covenant rather than throw it out entirely. Older covenants follow stricter prior law.

What remedies are available in a business dispute?

Depending on the claim, remedies may include compensatory damages, punitive damages for torts such as fraud, injunctions against ongoing conduct, specific performance, an accounting of profits, and dissolution of the business.

Civil Litigation

Business Litigation Attorney in Northeast Georgia

Resolving Business Disputes in Northeast Georgia.

Business disputes between partners, with customers or competitors, or over ownership call for counsel who understands both the law and the business stakes. GA Law Group represents Northeast Georgia businesses in the full range of commercial disputes.

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Business litigation encompasses a wide range of disputes: partnership and LLC member disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, shareholder oppression, tortious interference with business relationships, trade secret misappropriation, non-compete enforcement and defense, and business fraud.

Partnership and LLC Member Disputes

Disputes between business partners and LLC members are among the most acrimonious and costly litigation matters. We represent both majority and minority owners, seeking a buyout, dissolution, or damages as appropriate, and we work to resolve these disputes efficiently given what is at stake for the business.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty

Officers, directors, managers, and majority shareholders owe fiduciary duties to the business and its owners. When those duties are breached through self-dealing, taking business opportunities, misappropriating funds, or other misconduct, we pursue and defend the resulting claims.

Trade Secret and Non-Compete Disputes

Georgia's Trade Secrets Act (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-760 et seq.) and the Georgia Restrictive Covenants Act (O.C.G.A. § 13-8-50 et seq.) provide specific legal tools for protecting your business's confidential information and enforcing non-competition agreements. GA Law Group seeks emergency injunctive relief when a former employee or departing partner threatens to use your proprietary information against you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Business Litigation FAQ

: Generally not on your own, unless the operating or partnership agreement provides a way to do it. GA Law Group reviews your governing documents and advises on available legal options, which may include a forced buyout, a judicial dissolution proceeding, or a negotiated exit.
: Act quickly. GA Law Group can seek an emergency temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the appropriate Georgia Superior Court to stop the conduct while the merits of the case are litigated. Delay in these cases can result in irreparable harm.
: Often, yes. Covenants signed on or after May 11, 2011 are governed by Georgia's Restrictive Covenants Act and must be reasonable in time, territory, and scope. For employees, two years or less is presumed reasonable; covenants made in the sale of a business can run up to five years. A court can narrow an overbroad covenant rather than throw it out entirely. Older covenants follow stricter prior law.
: Depending on the claim, remedies may include compensatory damages, punitive damages for torts such as fraud, injunctions against ongoing conduct, specific performance, an accounting of profits, and dissolution of the business.

Related Services

More Civil Litigation Services

Contract Disputes

When a contract is breached, you have legal recourse, but recovering requires strategy, documentation, and a command of Georgia contract law. GA Law Group represents businesses and individuals in contract disputes throughout Northeast Georgia.

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Property Disputes

Disputes over boundary lines, easements, adverse possession, trespass, and encroachments call for an attorney who knows Georgia real property law and the local courts.

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Debt Collection

When a customer, client, or debtor refuses to pay a legitimate debt, you have legal remedies. GA Law Group pursues debt collection through Georgia courts, from filing suit through judgment and collection, for businesses and individuals throughout Northeast Georgia.

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Appeals

An unfavorable trial court judgment is not necessarily the end. GA Law Group handles civil appeals to the Court of Appeals of Georgia, the Supreme Court of Georgia, and seven federal circuits, challenging legal errors and defending favorable verdicts.

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Talk to a Georgia Business Litigation Attorney

GA Law Group handles business litigation matters throughout Northeast Georgia. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation.

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