“Equitable Buyout” as a Remedy for LLC Wrongdoing?
In the world of LLCs, buyouts — where one member sells his/her membership interest to another member or the LLC itself — are commonplace. Buyouts generally…
Can an LLC Member be Forced to Contribute to the LLC’s Debts?
Members of an LLC are required to pitch in equally for the LLC’s expenses and debts, right? Generally, no. In a recent unpublished opinion filed by…
LLC Members — Prepare to Identify Yourselves
The Corporate Transparency Act (31 USC §5336) goes into effect January 1, 2024. Under the Act, most LLCs (and other entities) will need to supply basic…
LLC and Partnership Authority “Safe Harbors”
California’s statutes governing LLCs and general partnerships include “safe harbor” provisions making it easier for third parties to rely on the apparent authority of an LLC’s…
Diversion of LLC Funds Is Not “Protected Activity” Under California’s Anti-SLAPP Statute
California’s anti-SLAPP statute (Code of Civil Procedure section 425.16) aims to protect defendants from meritless lawsuits designed to chill “protected activity” — i.e., the exercise of…
California Supreme Court: Penal Code Section 496(c) Can Apply To Business Disputes
In a long-awaited opinion — Siry Investment, L.P. v. Farkhondehpour — the California Supreme Court held that California Penal Code section 496 can apply to a business…
Derivative Claim Standing: Both Contemporaneous And Continuous Membership Required
When an LLC suffers primary harm that also indirectly harms the LLC’s members, the cause of action generally belongs to the LLC, not its members. Only…
Can a Statutory Buyout be Dodged by Dismissal?
The statutory right to judicial dissolution in California comes with a hook — the defendants can avoid dissolution by exercising a “buyout” procedure. This is true…
Who Runs This LLC?
Under California law, LLCs can either be managed by all of the members (member-managed) or by a designated manager (manager-managed). Manager-managed LLCs are more common for…
Conspiracy and Aiding & Abetting: Non-Manager Liability for Breach of LLC Fiduciary Duties
LLC managers owe fiduciary duties of loyalty, care, and good faith and fair dealing to both the LLC and the LLC’s members. (Corp Code §17704.09.) One…