Fiduciary Litigation

Strategic Representation in Fiduciary Duty & Governance Disputes

Fiduciaries — including trustees, executors, directors, officers, partners, and agents — are held to the highest standards of loyalty, care, and good faith. When disputes arise over management decisions, financial conduct, trust administration, or corporate governance, the legal and financial consequences can be significant.

Bean, Kinney & Korman represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, shareholders, partners, and corporate leaders in fiduciary litigation matters throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. region. We handle disputes in state and federal courts involving allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, mismanagement, self-dealing, and conflicts of interest.

Our approach combines deep legal analysis with strategic business judgment — protecting reputations, financial interests, and governance integrity.

Fiduciary Litigation Services

Corporate & Director/Officer Disputes

Breach of fiduciary duty claims
Self-dealing and conflict-of-interest allegations
Derivative actions
Shareholder oppression claims
Corporate opportunity disputes
Governance breakdown litigation
Judicial Dissolution litigation
Inspection Rights claims

We represent both fiduciaries and stakeholders in corporate governance disputes.

Shareholder & Partnership Fiduciary Claims

Minority oppression claims
Partner misappropriation disputes
Management authority conflicts
Dissolution proceedings
Inspection Rights claims

Internal business disputes often hinge on fiduciary obligations.

Trust & Estate Fiduciary Litigation

Trustee misconduct claims
Executor and administrator disputes
Accounting challenges
Removal petitions
Beneficiary rights enforcement
Will or estate planning document contests

We represent fiduciaries and beneficiaries in contested trust and estate matters.

Nonprofit & Association Governance Disputes

Board governance conflicts
Executive director disputes
Allegations of financial mismanagement
Fiduciary compliance counseling

Nonprofit leaders are subject to statutory and common-law fiduciary standards.

Financial & Investment Fiduciary Disputes

Investment management conflicts
Fiduciary obligations in joint ventures
Allegations of imprudent financial decision-making
Breach of loyalty and duty of care claims

We analyze financial decision-making within the context of fiduciary standards.

Who We Represent

Our Fiduciary Litigation practice serves:

Corporate directors and officers
Trustees and estate fiduciaries
Shareholders and minority investors
Business partners
Nonprofit board members
Investment managers and financial fiduciaries
Beneficiaries and stakeholders

We tailor litigation strategy to protect both legal standing and professional reputation.

Industries Served

Fiduciary disputes often arise in industries including:

Closely held and family-owned businesses
Financial services and investment entities
Government contracting
Healthcare organizations
Construction and development firms
Nonprofit and association sectors
Professional services firms

Industry awareness informs risk evaluation and damages analysis.

Fiduciary Litigation FAQs

What is a fiduciary duty?

A fiduciary duty is a legal obligation requiring a person to act in the best interests of another party with loyalty, care, and good faith. Fiduciaries must avoid conflicts of interest and self-dealing.

What constitutes a breach of fiduciary duty?

A breach may occur when a fiduciary engages in self-dealing, misuses assets, acts negligently in managing responsibilities, or prioritizes personal interests over those of beneficiaries or stakeholders.

Can shareholders sue directors for breach of fiduciary duty?

Yes. Shareholders may bring direct claims or derivative actions alleging breaches of fiduciary duty by directors or officers.

Can a trustee be removed?

Yes. Courts may remove trustees who breach fiduciary obligations, fail to act in beneficiaries’ best interests, or mismanage trust assets.

Are fiduciary disputes always litigated?

Not always. Some disputes resolve through mediation or negotiated settlement, particularly when preserving relationships or confidentiality is important.