Mark E. Hauck

Experience

Privately Owned Business Disputes

Mr. Hauck is a recognized expert on Shareholder Disputes, Business Break-Ups and Fiduciary Duty cases. He has helped to develop the law in Michigan governing privately owned business disputes, including contributing to provisions in the Michigan Business Corporation Act that govern such matters and as a respected contributor to the Michigan Business Law Journal. Mr. Hauck’s three decades of experience in this area of the law makes him uniquely qualified to counsel business owners concerning disputes that arise between shareholders of corporations and members in limited liability companies.

Breach of Contract Disputes

Mr. Hauck has handled myriad breach of contract cases, including multi-million dollar joint-venture disputes, Uniform Commercial Code (Article 2 Sales) cases, franchise terminations and claims arising out of buy/sell agreements and operating agreements. He has litigated disputes over manufacturers’ rep contracts and high stakes lease disputes and real property foreclosures. His knowledge and experience in finance, accounting, business valuation, and damage analysis allows him to hit the ground running when he is retained to handle such cases.

Investor Advisor Disputes

Mr. Hauck has successfully prosecuted claims against Investment Advisors for fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty and violations of state and federal securities law and in the process he has recovered millions of dollars for his clients. He has developed skills which allow him to identify instances where investors have been harmed by the people in whom they placed their trust. Mr. Hauck has a trusted group of outside financial and forensic accounting consultants who have the necessary expertise to assist him in tracking investments and identifying inappropriate transactions. Together, they work hard to develop a sound strategy to recover what was lost and hold those responsible accountable.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

As a certified mediator and arbitrator, Mr. Hauck assists other attorneys in resolving business disputes outside of the courtroom. His expertise in commercial and business matters makes him especially effective either as a mediator to facilitate settlement or as an arbitrator to decide cases that cannot be settled amicably. He was a pioneer in the development of Michigan’s Business Courts and participated in initiatives by the Michigan Supreme Court’s Office of Dispute Resolution that made early mediation a centerpiece of these new forums. Through these efforts he has obtained a wealth of insights and experience in the effective use of alternative dispute resolution to effectively and efficiently address business disputes.

Significant Recent Results

• Obtained multi-million dollar settlement in favor of an investor defrauded by Registered Investment Advisor.
• Successfully defended majority shareholder of privately owned Tier Two automobile supplier against shareholder oppression claims.
• Successfully defended directors accused of breaching their fiduciary duties in connection with the sale of company subsidiary to private equity firm.
• Recovered multi-million dollar verdict against controlling shareholder of Michigan corporation on behalf of oppressed minority shareholder.
• Negotiated the buy-out of shareholders in business owning multiple automobile dealerships.
• Successfully defended transportation logistics company in breach of contract case by carrier.