Photo of Peter A. Mahler

Peter A. Mahler is a litigator focusing 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. Peter represents both control and non-control owners, often involving family-owned businesses. Frequently counseling business owners prior to litigation, he advises them of their rights and also assists in designing and negotiating an amicable separation between parties. Peter’s counsel helps avoid litigation by means of a buy-out, sale, or division of business assets.

 

 

“Except as otherwise set forth herein” is a common proviso in agreements of all sorts. It can provide clarity. It also can cause dispute, as in the case highlighted in this post.

Continue Reading A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Shareholder Agreement’s “Except as Otherwise Set Forth Herein” Hands Control of Famed Restaurant to Minority Shareholders

A court order directing a party to file a verified formal accounting is not to be taken lightly, and certainly not to be contradicted by the accounting party, as the unfortunate defendant found out in a post-trial decision issued earlier this month by Commercial Division Justice Jennifer Schecter.

Continue Reading The Consequences of Deception: Defendant Hit With $4.5 Million Judgment After 12-Year “Wild Goose Chase Based on a Lie”

The qualifying phrase, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement,” can be a highly useful and efficient means to clarify the hierarchy of otherwise potentially competing contract provisions. It can also trigger thorny litigation when two “notwithstanding” clauses arguably conflict with one another, as in the case featured in this week’s New York Business Divorce.

Continue Reading Court’s Decision in High Stakes Case Cuts Through the “Fog of Dueling ‘Notwithstanding’ Clauses”