The “Business Judgment Rule” Applies in LLCs Too
Corporate directors have long relied on the “business judgment rule,” under which their decisions are presumed to have been made “on an informed basis, in good…
LLC Members May Ratify Prior Defective Actions
Actions taken within business entities are sometimes deemed invalid due to procedural defects. For corporations, section 119 of the Corporations Code establishes a clear procedure by…
LLC Member Acting for LLC Without Authority 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…
Operating Agreement Doesn’t Excuse Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Many posts on The LLC Jungle blog have focused on the fiduciary duties owed by LLC managers to both the LLC’s members and the LLC itself.…
Derivative Claim Upheld for Estate of Deceased LLC Member
Asserting claims derivatively on behalf of an LLC, as opposed to directly on behalf of an LLC member, can be tricky business for even experienced litigators. …
Another Case Addressing Managerial Discretion and the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
LLC managers often enjoy wide latitude and unrestricted “discretion” under the LLC’s operating agreement. At the same time, all contracts — including LLC operating agreements —…
LLC is Not an “Indispensable Party” to Direct Claims Between LLC Members
In litigation, the plaintiff must include as parties to the action all persons or entities whose interests are so directly involved that the court cannot render…
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 In a recent unpublished opinion filed by…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 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…
LLC Operating Agreements: Indemnity, Arbitration, and Equity
LLC operating agreements frequently provide for indemnity to the LLC’s manager. This is consistent with the statutory default rule embodied by California Corporations Code section 17704.08(a),…