Lamb McErlane PC partners Guy A. Donatelli & James (Jim) Sargent were co-presenters at the Chester County Bar Association’s Annual Bench Bar. The presentation focused on Business Divorce, ‘Knowing How to End: “Hey, That’s No Way to say Goodbye.”’ Business divorce in Pennsylvania is widespread and often as emotional and acrimonious as domestic divorce.  However, experienced legal counsel can help to prevent a great deal of the pain of disengagement before it happens through well-drafted operating and shareholder agreements. If the inevitable occurs, experienced legal counsel can guide business owners through negotiation, dispute resolution or legal action to a successful resolution.  The legal rules that govern such disputes are clear; as are the available remedies, from injunctive relief to appointment of a custodian or receiver. The separation of the principals of a long standing business often is very personal; it may involve a great deal of pride, it can be emotional. Many business owners spend an unreasonable amount of money to fight, and the result can be diminished wealth. Our practice is to move the parties to the most cost effective resolution. Our presentation explored the best practices in a Business Divorce case. Jeffrey Press, a forensic accountant whose analysis and assembly of financial records can be critical in such a dispute, was also a co-presenter on this program. Jeff is a Director of Disputes, Compliance, & Investigations from Stout.

Guy Donatelli is a partner in the Litigation Department at Lamb McErlane and Co-Chair of the Employment Law Department. He concentrates his practice on employment, education and commercial litigation, representing individuals, businesses, and municipalities in employment, business and land use disputes throughout the Region.

Jim Sargent is Co-Chair of Lamb McErlane’s Appellate Advocacy Group and Litigation Department. He has represented major national and multinational manufacturers in litigation and appeals involving class action, product liability, taxation, warranty, fraud, employment and consumer protection law claims.