Corporate Governance Solicitors
Commercial
Governance That Protects Your Business and Your Directors
Good governance is not just paperwork. It reduces the risk of shareholder disputes, protects directors from personal liability, and positions your business for investment or growth. Gurve Legal is a London-based commercial law firm giving SMEs and owner-managed businesses practical, plain-English governance advice.
Whether you are a founder setting up your first board, a director unsure of your duties, or an established company strengthening its framework, we focus on advice you can actually put into practice.
We regularly act for both boards and shareholders, giving us a balanced view that sharpens the advice we give either side.
Our Corporate Governance Services
Board Structure and Composition
A well-structured board reduces the risk of internal disputes before they start. We help establish clear lines of authority and accountability from the outset.
- Roles and responsibilities of directors and officers
- Board committees and governance frameworks
- Conflicts of interest and fiduciary duties
- Guidance for newly appointed directors
Directors’ Duties and Liability
Directors can face serious personal consequences when governance obligations are not met. We advise on duties under the Companies Act 2006, including the duty to promote the success of the company and the shift toward creditor interests where insolvency risk arises.
Shareholders Agreements and Articles of Association
Clear documentation between shareholders reduces the potential for costly disputes. We draft and review shareholders agreements and update articles of association to reflect your current governance needs, including minority protections and deadlock provisions.
Company Secretarial and Compliance
The administrative backbone of governance matters as much as the framework itself. Our company secretarial team handles statutory registers, confirmation statements and Companies House filings.
Governance During Restructuring and Transactions
Sound governance is critical during mergers, acquisitions or reorganisation. We work alongside our business restructuring specialists to provide joined-up support during periods of change.
ESG and Regulatory Compliance
Embedding ESG considerations into your governance framework is increasingly expected by investors and stakeholders alike. Our regulatory compliance team works alongside our governance solicitors on this and related obligations.
Why Choose Gurve Legal
We Act for Both Sides
Most firms advise either the board or the shareholders. We regularly act for both, giving us a fuller picture that makes our advice sharper and better at preventing disputes before they arise.
Built for SMEs, Not Large-Firm Templates
We specialise in the governance challenges facing SMEs and owner-managed businesses, tailoring every piece of advice to your specific structure and ownership rather than applying a generic framework.
Plain English, No Unnecessary Complexity
Governance documents should be clear enough for your directors and shareholders to actually understand and follow. We draft frameworks that work in practice, not just on paper.
Integrated Legal Support
Governance rarely sits in isolation. Disputes, restructurings and transactions all connect back to it, so our commercial team offers joined-up advice across every part of your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are a director’s main legal duties?
Under the Companies Act 2006, directors must promote the success of the company, exercise independent judgment, act with reasonable care and skill, and avoid conflicts of interest.
Can a director be personally liable for governance failures?
Yes, in certain circumstances directors can face personal liability, particularly where duties are breached or where the company approaches insolvency and the duty shifts toward creditors.
Do small companies need formal governance structures?
Yes. Even small, owner-managed companies benefit from clear governance, since informal arrangements often cause the most damaging disputes when relationships break down.
How often should articles of association be reviewed?
We recommend reviewing articles whenever your shareholder structure changes significantly, or at least every few years to ensure they still reflect how the business actually operates.
What is the difference between articles of association and a shareholders agreement?
Articles are a public document filed at Companies House. A shareholders agreement is private and typically covers matters in more commercial detail than articles allow.
Get Corporate Governance Advice Today
Sound governance is the foundation of a successful business. Speak to our team today for straightforward advice on exactly what your business needs.