Business Litigation Attorney in the Shoals

Protecting Your Interests in Partnership, Contract, and Commercial Disputes

Business litigation disrupts daily operations, drains resources, and jeopardizes your bottom line. When a dispute arises, you don’t need a lecture on the law—you need a strategic path to a resolution.

I am William H. Burress. As a Shoals business litigation attorney, I represent business owners, partners, and stakeholders in Florence, Muscle Shoals, and throughout North Alabama. My approach is practical and aggressive: I aim to resolve conflicts quickly to get you back to business, but I am fully prepared to litigate complex commercial matters in court when necessary.

Whether you are facing a breach of contract, a partnership breakup, or allegations of fraud, I provide the legal firepower you need to protect your assets.

Partnership Disputes & “Business Divorce”

Partnerships are like marriages, and when they fail, the financial fallout can be devastating. Disputes often arise over profit distributions, management control, or accusations of theft.

I handle high-stakes partnership disputes involving:

• Breach of Fiduciary Duty: When a partner prioritizes personal gain over the company, misuses funds, or steals opportunities.
• Expulsion & Dissolution: Navigating the legal process of removing a toxic partner or dissolving the entity under Alabama’s Title 10A.
• Buy-Out Negotiations: structuring fair exit strategies and valuing partnership interests to avoid total liquidation.
• Minority Shareholder Oppression: Protecting minority owners who are being “frozen out” of decision-making or profits by the majority.

Breach of Contract Litigation

Contracts are the backbone of commerce. When a vendor, client, or supplier fails to honor their agreement, it causes a chain reaction of financial loss.

I represent plaintiffs and defendants in contract disputes regarding:

• Material Breach: Failure to deliver goods, complete services, or pay invoices that fundamentally breaks the agreement.
• Non-Compete & Non-Solicitation: Enforcing or defending against agreements that restrict an employee’s ability to work or steal clients.
• Vendor & Supplier Disputes: Litigation over defective goods, shipping delays, or supply chain failures that impact your operations.
• Construction & Real Estate Contracts: Disputes involving commercial leases, build-outs, and property development agreements.

Shareholder & Derivative Actions

If you are a shareholder in a corporation or a member of an LLC, you have specific rights. If the directors or managers are harming the company through negligence or fraud, you may need to file a Derivative Action to hold them accountable.

I assist stakeholders in:

• Investigating Misconduct: Demanding access to books and records to uncover financial irregularities.
• Filing Derivative Suits: Taking legal action on behalf of the company to recover damages from negligent officers or directors.
• Defense of Management: Defending boards and managers against frivolous suits using the Business Judgment Rule.

Business Torts & Fraud

Not all disputes are based on a contract. Some involve intentional wrongdoing that causes financial harm. These “business torts” allow for the recovery of damages—and sometimes punitive damages—in cases of:

• Fraud & Misrepresentation: When a business deal was built on lies or concealed facts.
• Tortious Interference: When a competitor or third party intentionally sabotages your contracts or client relationships.
• Theft of Trade Secrets: Legal action to stop former employees or competitors from using your proprietary information.

Employment Litigation Defense

Alabama is an at-will employment state, but businesses still face significant liability from federal and state regulations. I help employers defend against claims and minimize risk.

• Defense of Claims: Representing businesses against allegations of discrimination, wage and hour violations (FLSA), and wrongful termination.
• Proactive Compliance: Drafting enforceable employee handbooks and contracts to prevent lawsuits before they happen.

Strategic Business Counsel

Litigation is expensive. The best lawsuit is the one you avoid. Beyond the courtroom, I act as outside general counsel for local businesses in the Shoals, helping them:

• Draft ironclad operating agreements.
• Navigate regulatory compliance and licensing.
• Structure transactions to minimize liability.

Schedule a Strategic Case Review

If your business is facing a legal threat, time is often your most valuable asset. Do not wait for the situation to deteriorate. If your business is in the Shoals, you need a Shoals business litigation attorney on your side.

Contact me today at (256) 277-3852 to schedule a consultation. We will assess your position, explain your options, and develop a strategy to protect your business.