Areas of Expertise
John W. Shenk brings deep litigation experience and business acumen to the mediation table—offering a uniquely strategic, hands-on approach to resolving disputes. He is known for guiding parties out of entrenched positions and into productive negotiations by proposing and pressure-testing multi-faceted, practical solutions.
Whether untangling partnership breakups, shareholder conflicts, or broader business divorces, John helps disputing parties reframe their outlook from fighting over positions to negotiating shared outcomes. His process is rigorous and informed by a depth of experience with the unusual dynamics involved in disputes among co-owners of businesses and shareholder derivative lawsuits.
Areas of Expertise
As a mediator and Chambers-ranked litigator, John W. Shenk has consistently brought parties engaged in bare-knuckled business litigation to the settlement table to find a way forward.
01
Business Divorce Mediation
When business relationships reach an impasse, it’s crucial to find a resolution that balances financial interests with long-term goals. These disputes often feel like a divorce of business partners. John Shenk specializes in resolving disputes between partners, shareholders, and joint venturers. With a focus on minimizing disruption, these mediations aim to craft fair agreements that allow all parties to move forward confidently, whether it’s through reorganization, buyouts, or separation of interests.
02
Shareholder Derivative Litigation
John has an unusual depth of experience in bringing and defending derivative lawsuits and is well-acquainted with the procedural quagmire that accompanies them. When minority shareholders in corporations and members of LLCs file derivative claims, it is often difficult for both the defending management and the plaintiff to navigate a path to a court-approved exit from the dispute. John brings experience and creativity to assist both sides in reaching a path toward resolution.
03
Real Estate Mediation
Whether it’s a dispute between buyer and seller, lender and owner, LP and GP, or fund investor and manager, every dispute concerning real estate boils down to rights deriving from land ownership. Real estate transactions and investments of all types involve concerns unique to land ownership and control, while also touching on contract, corporate governance, and regulatory issues. John Shenk is prepared to handle all manner of real estate disputes.
04
Executive Severance Disputes
Executive Severance Disputes often arise at the intersection of employment law, compensation, and reputational risk. Mediation provides a discreet and effective forum for resolving disagreements over severance terms, equity, non-competes, and contractual obligations. John Shenk’s approach allows allowing both executives and organizations to reach fair, forward-looking resolutions without prolonged conflict.
05
Cannabis Industry Disputes
The cannabis industry presents sensitive regulatory, financial, and partnership challenges. From ownership and investment disputes to operational and licensing conflicts, mediation is often the best route to a business-focused solution tailored to this rapidly evolving sector. With deep experience in cannabis industry business disputes, John helps parties navigate the sensitivity and complexity of the industry while preserving business value.
06
Civil Rights Lawsuits
Civil rights disputes often involve emotion and deeply entrenched positions, along with significant potential legal exposure. Mediation creates a structured, respectful environment for addressing claims involving discrimination, constitutional rights, and public or private entities. John Shenk seeks meaningful resolution while minimizing the costs, risks, and emotional toll of litigating civil right claims.
07
Trade Secret Litigation
Allegations of trade secret misappropriation involve multi-layered analysis and discovery issues that often create a difficult risk calculation for both sides. John is adept at engaging in the investigative process with the parties to help map the legal issues and the business context surrounding them to assist in finding a viable resolution. He brings a business-oriented perspective that helps parties evaluate litigation risk in light of competitive realities, operational priorities, and long-term strategic considerations.
08
Wrongful Termination Lawsuits
Wrongful termination cases frequently involve high emotion, reputational concerns, and significant legal and financial risk for all involved. Mediation offers a confidential forum to address claims arising from alleged unlawful discharge, retaliation, or workplace misconduct. John Shenk focuses on practical, balanced resolution that acknowledges the human impact of termination while reducing the costs, uncertainty, and strain of prolonged litigation.
09
Wage-and-hour and PAGA Lawsuits
Wage-and-hour and PAGA actions frequently involve complex statutory schemes, representative claims, and substantial potential exposure. A structured, confidential mediation process allows parties to address compensation practices, penalties, and compliance issues in a focused setting. John Shenk takes a pragmatic, even-handed approach to facilitating resolution that balances legal risk, business realities, and employee interests while reducing the cost, uncertainty, and disruption of extended litigation.
Our Mediation Process
At John W. Shenk Law, our mediation process is designed to be collaborative, efficient, and tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. We believe in creating a structured yet flexible framework to ensure all parties feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach a resolution.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Mediation allows you to negotiate solutions that protect your ownership rights and influence in the company, avoiding the risk of a court-imposed resolution.
Yes, John specializes in managing complex multi-party disputes, ensuring that all voices are heard and that agreements address the concerns of all involved parties.
John ensures transparency by facilitating agreements to share critical financial data, fostering trust and enabling informed decision-making.
John leverages his legal expertise to identify and mediate cases of misconduct, ensuring accountability and fair outcomes for all parties.
Mediation can resolve disputes related to contracts, fraud, partnerships, intellectual property, and more.
