Business & Franchise Law

Business Disputes

In today’s competitive business environment, a breach of contract, neglect of duties, nefarious conduct, or failure to pay for goods or services can prevent a business or entrepreneur from succeeding. Likewise, partnership disputes, misappropriation of proprietary information, disclosure of confidential information, tortious interference with contractual relations, breach of fiduciary duties, breach of restrictive covenants, self-dealing, or a myriad of other business torts can devastate a commercial entity, its management, shareholders, or investors. When such wrongful conduct occurs, an effective commercial litigation attorney can be the difference between an entity’s success or failure.

The attorneys at Shires Peake & Gottlieb represent clients in Atlanta and throughout Georgia in numerous business disputes and commercial matters through litigation, arbitration, mediation, and negotiation. A client engaging Shires Peake & Gottlieb can expect an honest and accurate appraisal of their case and recommendation for resolution in the most practical, direct, and economically feasible manner. We do not view a business dispute as an economic opportunity to promote unnecessary and costly litigation. Rather, in most cases, a lawsuit is a substantial burden to the client; a problem to be solved. We will understand your lawful objectives, and we will vigorously fully pursue your best interests of the law.

We at Shires, Peake & Gottlieb also provide a full range of business law services to our clients which include small to medium size businesses and their owners. We serve as an integral part of our clients’ team of trusted advisors, providing value to them in all phases of their business, from start-up, expansion, and ultimately to the owners’ exit through sale, merger, or their pursuit of other exit strategies.

We provide services which include the formation of the business entity, preparation, and negotiation of Operating or Shareholder Agreements, employment agreements, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements and the documentation of the business’ relationships with third parties, including landlords, suppliers, and contractors. Should disputes arise, our team of experienced litigators can provide representation in mediation, arbitration, or judicial proceedings.

Our client representation includes individuals, shareholders, vendors, suppliers, contractors, businesses, franchisors, franchisees, joint ventures, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations in a wide variety of commercial litigation and dispute resolution including:

• Breach of Contract Actions and Disputes
• Construction Litigation
• Commercial Collections
• Fraud and Unfair Business Practices
• Fiduciary Duty Litigation
• Trade Secret Litigation
• Misappropriation of Confidential and Proprietary Information
• Tortious Interference with Contracts and Business Relationships
• Enforcement or Defense of Covenants Not to Compete and other Restrictive Covenants
• Partnership Disputes
• Commercial Leasing Disputes
• Franchisor-Franchisee Litigation and Disputes
• Employment Litigation
• Employment Discrimination Claims (Title VII, ADA, ADEA, and Wage & Hour)
• Business Dissolutions
• Real Estate Contract Litigation
• Homeowners Association Litigation, Collections and Disputes

No matter your dispute, you’ll receive thorough, efficient guidance. We analyze the details of your case and will call in qualified experts. Our focus is building a strong case and representing you with integrity and care.

Franchise Law

At Shires, Peake & Gottlieb provide a full range of legal services to meet the needs and goals of franchisors, franchisees, and prospective franchisees. From start to finish, we counsel prospective franchisees in the acquisition of a franchised business, including negotiating franchise the agreement, as well as educating the client on the legal and business considerations present in the acquisition of a franchised business. Our experience in preparation and registration of Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD) allows us to provide experienced counsel to start-up, early stage, and mature franchise systems. Our attorneys draft and negotiate multi-unit development, master franchise and other agreements related to the offer and sale of a franchise. Our team of litigators provides experienced representation of both franchisees and franchisors in litigation, arbitration, and mediation. Some of the services we provide include:

• Preparation of Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
• Interpretation of the FDD for prospective franchisees
• Drafting and negotiation of franchise agreements
• Handling the registration of the franchise offering
• Drafting and negotiation of area development and other agreements related to the offer and sale of a franchise
• Counseling and representation of prospective franchisees in the acquisition of a franchised business
• Representation of franchisees and franchisors in litigation, arbitration, and mediation

At Shires Peake & Gottlieb, LLC, we provide a full range of business law services to our clients which include small to medium size businesses and their owners. We serve as an integral part of our clients’ team of trusted advisors, providing value to them in all phases of their business, from start-up, expansion, and ultimately to the owners’ exit through sale, merger or their pursuit of other exit strategies.

We provide services which include the formation of the business entity, preparation and negotiation of Operating or Shareholder Agreements, employment agreements, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements and the documentation of the business’ relationships with third parties, including landlords, suppliers, and contractors. Should disputes arise, our team of experienced litigators can provide representation in mediation, arbitration or judicial proceedings.