In Episode 3 of The Litigation War Room podcast, Maxwell Goss speaks with Peter Mahler, a litigator and thought leader in the growing area of "business divorce" law, i.e., cases involving breakups and disputes among co-owners of closely held business entities. Peter discusses Jacobs v. Cartalemi, an influential case for LLC member litigation. Peter also offers his insights on representing business owners and the evolution of business divorce law.
00:19 – Introduction
01:19 – About Peter Mahler
02:50 – What is business divorce?
05:08 – Business divorce and shareholder oppression
08:14 – Peter’s typical clients
10:54 – LLC vs. corporation
16:09 – Jacobs v. Cartalemi
22:05 – Farro v. Schochet
29:21 – LLC laws in different states
33:13 – Peter’s advice for litigating business divorce cases
38:56 – Where to find Peter online
40:34 – Final thoughts on business appraisal
Peter A. Mahler concentrates his litigation practice on business divorce cases involving dissolution and other disputes among co-owners of closely held business entities, such as limited liability companies, corporations, and partnerships. He represents both control and non-control owners, often involving family-owned businesses. Peter frequently counsels business owners prior to litigation, not only to advise them of their rights, but to assist in designing and negotiating an amicable separation of the parties. His counsel helps avoid litigation by means of a buy-out, sale, or division of business assets.