NC Fiduciary Litigation Commentary
The 1985 Delaware Supreme Court case Smith v. Van Gorkom reshaped corporate law by redefining how courts view directors’ duty of care. The issue was a rushed decision by TransUnion’s board, led by CEO Jerome Van Gorkom, who proposed selling the company to Jay Pritzker for $55 per share. Though the offer appeared favorable on…
Read More
The North Carolina Business Court’s decision in Qian v. Zheng (2025 NCBC 46) offers a striking look at fiduciary duty disputes, internal governance battles, and the challenges of managing immigrant investor funds. The case centers on Carolina Sawmills, L.P. (“CSLP”), a North Carolina limited partnership that raised $75.5 million from 151 Chinese investors through the…
Read More
When we talk about “fiduciary duty,” we usually refer to a relationship where one party is legally obligated to act in the best interest of another—such as a trustee managing a trust. But in today’s digital age, a new question is emerging: Should online platforms like Google and Facebook be held to a similar standard…
Read More
The recent passing of wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, born Terry Bollea, has left fans mourning around the world—and revealed a striking family decision behind the scenes. According to Yahoo News, Hogan’s daughter, Brooke Hogan, requested to be completely removed from her father’s will in 2023, over a year before his sudden death at 71. Her…
Read More
In 2023, the legendary musician Jimmy Buffett passed away at the age of 76. Since then, a flurry of legal claims have surfaced over his $275 million estate. Majority of Mr. Buffett’s assets went to his widow, Jane Slagsvol, as the main beneficiary. However, Mr. Buffett also named Richard Mozenter, his long-time business partner, as…
Read More
Starting a business with someone often begins with excitement and trust. You make plans, divide responsibilities, and work toward a shared vision. But when trust breaks down, the damage can be personal and financial. In the case of Friedmann v. Griffin, Terry Friedmann, a thirty percent owner of Oceanic Partners Holdings, LLC, alleged that James…
Read More
The explosion of AI-generated images is transforming industries from marketing to entertainment, but it’s also creating a new frontier of legal challenges. Artists and businesses are increasingly using AI tools to produce stunning visuals in seconds. Yet the legal system is racing to keep up with questions about who owns these creations, how existing copyright…
Read More
North Carolina businesses and employees should keep an eye on House Bill 269—the “Workforce Freedom and Protection Act”—which, if passed, will significantly change the landscape for noncompete and non-poaching agreements. Traditionally, employers have used noncompete clauses to limit a former employee’s ability to work for a competitor within a certain time frame, geographic area, or…
Read More
Ten years ago, if you asked a kid what they wanted to be when they grew up, they would say something like ‘doctor’ or ‘astronaut.’ If you asked a kid the same question today, chances are they would say ‘influencer.’ Recently, kidfluencing has experienced a surge in popularity. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, kidfluencers…
Read More
As we recognize Pride Month this June, it’s a timely moment to discuss the estate planning and litigation concerns that continue to affect LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. While the legalization of same-sex marriage marked a major step forward, it didn’t erase the risks that arise when estate plans are unclear, outdated, or contested. For LGBTQ+…
Read More