Commercial & Business Litigation Strategic Counsel for Shareholder Battles

Business Litigation Attorney in Houston

Name: Hopkins Centrich Law
Address: 8701 New Trails, Suite 200, The Woodlands, TX, 77381
Telephone: (254) 249-5436

Rooted in Shareholder Disputes. Built for High-Stakes Business Litigation.

Hopkins Centrich Law is a Houston business litigation practice whose work is rooted in something most commercial litigators don’t have: deep, concentrated experience inside closely held companies. We handle the full range of commercial and business disputes, and we bring to every matter the same understanding of ownership structures, governance dynamics, and internal company conflict that defines our shareholder oppression work.

Our approach is strategic and trial-ready. We pair big-firm litigation sophistication with practical business judgment, and we move efficiently when timing matters. Clients throughout Houston and across Texas come to us when company control, ownership rights, or substantial business interests are on the line.

If your business is facing a dispute that can’t wait, contact Hopkins Centrich Law today at (254) 249-5436 to discuss your matter with our team.

What Sets Hopkins Centrich Law Apart in Houston Business Litigation

Our practice is devoted to business disputes. That focus means decades of experience in the conflicts that threaten company value most: shareholder oppression, governance breakdowns, ownership dilution, and fiduciary duty violations. When you bring us a commercial litigation matter, you get counsel that has worked through these dynamics from every angle.

Trial-Ready from Day One
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That discipline strengthens our negotiating position throughout the process and gives clients leverage whether a matter resolves through negotiation or proceeds to the courtroom.

A Record of Negotiated Resolutions
We’ve negotiated buy-outs and other settlements for hundreds of minority shareholders and business owners. When resolution is achievable on favorable terms, we pursue it. When it isn’t, we litigate.

Responsive and Efficient Counsel
We respond quickly to changing circumstances and work within narrow timeframes when urgency demands it. We use current legal and business technology to keep our attorneys focused on client work rather than administrative tasks, and we deliver flexible legal solutions at competitive fees.

Clear Communication Throughout
Clients consistently note that we keep them informed at every stage. Kirby Hopkins has been described by a long-time acquaintance as honest, ethical, and a trusted advisor who helps clients stay well represented. That standard runs through everything we do.

Start a Conversation About Your Business Dispute

Reach out to Hopkins Centrich Law through our online intake form or by calling (254) 249-5436. Our intake process uses a secure platform to collect the details of your matter confidentially before your consultation so we can make the most of your time from the first conversation.

Contact us today at (254) 249-5436 to schedule your consultation and learn how our experience can support your dispute.

Business Litigation vs. Commercial Litigation in Texas: What’s the Difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they cover distinct ground. Business litigation broadly addresses disputes over the formation, governance, and operation of business entities: ownership conflicts, fiduciary duty claims, and disagreements among owners about how a company is run. Commercial litigation focuses more narrowly on disputes arising from transactions and contracts between parties, including vendors, customers, and business partners.

In practice, the two categories frequently overlap. A contract dispute between co-owners of a closely held company implicates both sets of principles, and the applicable legal framework depends on the nature of the claim and the relationship between the parties.

Where Houston Business Disputes Are Filed

Most business litigation in the Houston area is filed in Harris County district courts. For disputes that clear a higher jurisdictional threshold, Texas created the Eleventh Business Court Division, seated in Houston and covering Harris County and surrounding counties. It became operational on September 1, 2024, and hears complex commercial disputes involving at least $5 million, including corporate governance matters, derivative actions, and internal ownership disputes under the Texas Business Organizations Code. Disputes that don’t meet that threshold are handled in Harris County district courts.

Federal court is available for disputes involving federal law, diversity of citizenship between parties, or securities claims. For contracts with mandatory arbitration clauses, those provisions govern, and the dispute proceeds before a private arbitrator rather than in court.

Statutes of Limitations & Emergency Relief

Texas statutes of limitations vary by claim type. Under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, certain contract claims carry a four-year limitations period; other business dispute claims may be shorter. Delay can foreclose options, which is why early legal consultation matters. In urgent situations where ongoing harm can’t wait for full litigation, injunctive relief, including a temporary restraining order, may be available to prevent dissipation of assets, unauthorized transfers, or other irreversible harm while the underlying dispute is resolved.

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Five-Star Client Reviews

Protecting Your Investment

Get Sophisticated Strategy On Your Side

Very Happy With the Outcome
“Professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. Communication was clear and consistent, and they made me feel supported at every step.”

- Michael D.
Wonderful to Work With
“Wonderful company to work with as this was our experience with their representation. They were able to get everything resolved in a timely manner.”

- Former Client
Exceptional Attorney
“Kirby Hopkins is an exceptional attorney who resolved my case quickly and efficiently. The communication and updates from the firm kept me informed as my case progressed.”

- Charlotte N.
We're Extremely Happy
“They helped us tremendously in a couple of issues. They have really been attentive with us and supportive. We are extremely happy with their work and the results.”

- Ale P.
Attentive & Understanding
“Hopkins Centrich provided prompt, tailored advice and insightfully explained convoluted terminology in clear terms that safeguarded my interests amid intricate business disputes.”

- Sheila N.
Attention to Detail
“The attorneys at Hopkins Centrich provided dedicated guidance and meticulous attention to detail. They incorporated clauses aligned to my specific business needs.”

- Valentino M.
Thinking Steps Ahead
“Joe's personable approach made us confident in his abilities. His intelligence is evident in the way he handles complex legal issues, always thinking steps ahead.”

- Former Client
Honest & Ethical
“I have known Kirby Hopkins for 30+ years and I trust him with my life. He is honest, ethical, and always a trusted advisor to ensure his clients are well represented!”

- Anu P.
They Got Us Justice
“Stephen and his team got us the justice we deserved, and we couldn't be happier. We really appreciate all their hard work, and could not have done it without them!”

- Logan B.

View All Reviews

What Sets Us Apart

Your Stake is Worth Fighting For

When the Gloves Come Off, We're Ready

Focused Firepower

Our focus on shareholder disputes means sharper strategy, stronger leverage, and smarter outcomes for minority owners.
Business-First Strategy

We understand how companies actually run, meaning our advice is grounded in real-world business judgment.
Big-Firm Talent, Boutique Precision

You'll get sophisticated litigation experience with lean, efficient execution and a personalized experience.
Trial-Ready Leverage

We prepare every case as if it’s going to court. That preparation strengthens negotiation power and drives serious settlement value.

Business & Commercial Disputes We Handle in Houston

Our work is anchored in closely held company conflicts: corporations, LLCs, and partnerships with a small number of owners where there is no public market for minority interests and disputes often involve both ownership rights and day-to-day business control. From that foundation, our litigation capabilities extend across the full range of commercial disputes.

Shareholder & Ownership Disputes

Shareholder Oppression
Minority shareholders squeezed out, denied distributions, or stripped of rights by controlling owners can have legal claims in Texas. This is the core of our practice.

Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Fiduciary duty, the legal obligation of loyalty and care owed by majority owners, directors, and officers to the company and its minority shareholders, is at the center of many ownership disputes. We handle claims on both sides of these conflicts.

Derivative Actions
When those in control of a business refuse to act on a valid claim the company holds, shareholders may bring a derivative lawsuit on the entity’s behalf. We represent shareholders in bringing these claims.

Ownership Dilution
Majority shareholders sometimes maneuver to reduce a minority owner’s economic interest through unauthorized share issuances or restructuring. We pursue and defend these claims.

Corporate Abuse of Power
Controlling shareholders, directors, or officers who exceed or misuse their authority can face liability. We hold them accountable.

Shareholder & Buy-Sell Agreements
Disputes over the interpretation, enforcement, or breach of shareholder agreements and buy-sell arrangements are a frequent source of business litigation.

Records & Information Access
Shareholders have legal rights under the Texas Business Organizations Code to inspect books and records. We enforce those rights when controlling owners block access.

Commercial & Business Tort Claims

Fraud and Misrepresentation
Fraud claims arising from shareholder relationships, business partner dealings, or commercial transactions require counsel that understands both the litigation mechanics and the business context.

Business Torts
Tortious interference with contracts or business relationships, conversion, and unfair business practices are among the business tort claims we handle alongside or independent of ownership disputes.

Contract Disputes
Breaches of commercial contracts among business partners, vendors, suppliers, and customers are among the most common triggers for business litigation in Texas. We handle these disputes from negotiation through trial.

Business Dissolution
When a business relationship has broken down beyond repair, dissolution may be the appropriate remedy. We advise and represent clients through that process.

Legal Malpractice
We handle claims against attorneys who failed to meet the standard of care owed to a business client.

How Business Disputes Are Resolved: From Negotiation to Trial

Most Texas business disputes don’t end in a courtroom. Many resolve through direct negotiation or mediation, a process in which an impartial mediator helps parties work toward agreement without imposing a decision. When a business contract includes a mandatory arbitration clause, the dispute proceeds before a private arbitrator whose decision is binding. We understand each of these paths and use them strategically.

How We Approach Business Dispute Litigation in Houston

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That means completing discovery thoroughly, anticipating dispositive motions, and building the factual and legal record that gives our clients a strong position, whether a matter resolves before trial or proceeds all the way through. That preparation also generates leverage: opposing parties negotiate differently when they know we’re ready.

When urgency demands it, we act fast. Temporary restraining orders and other emergency injunctive relief can prevent dissipation of assets, unauthorized transfers, or lockouts before a full hearing takes place. We work within narrow timeframes and respond to changing circumstances throughout a dispute.

We’ve negotiated favorable resolutions for hundreds of minority shareholders and business owners. When resolution on acceptable terms isn’t achievable, we litigate. Our record reflects advocacy in both settings.

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Hopkins Centrich Law

Strategic Counsel for Shareholder Battles

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254-249-5436

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8701 New Trails
Suite 200
The Woodlands, TX 77381

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