Non-Compete Agreements

Non-Compete Lawyers in Moorestown

A non-compete agreement, sometimes called “non-competes,” can turn an employee into an indentured servant. To start, non-compete agreements are often written so broadly and any employee that signs one will find it nearly impossible to find any other job. Some non-competes impose a period of time in which the employee must not work for a “competitor.” That period of time can be a year, two, or even three. This can keep an employee from working in the only field they have ever worked in. It results in unemployment or underemployment for long periods of time.

Let’s consider an employee, “John Smith.” While leaving a job, he signed a non-compete agreement in order to accept a job with the new company. Now Smith is in a “lose-lose” situation. Even if his non-compete agreement did not specifically say that the new company is “off-limits,” his former employer can take him to court. They will try to block him from taking the new job. Next, a number of bad things can happen. The new company decides it wants no part of the lawsuit. They fire Smith. Now he is without his new or old job. He is still saddled with a non-compete agreement.

When Should I Get a Non-Compete Agreement Attorney?

When you are leaving a job where you signed a non-compete agreement. Before you decide to start a new job, consult with a Moorestown non-compete attorney. Have him or her review your non-compete agreement to determine its precise limitations. Understanding the language of a non-compete agreement is critical. Sometimes non-compete agreements contain vague wording or loopholes. A non-compete attorney can help you look for these. They might help you escape your unfair non-compete agreement. Next, your non-compete attorney can assist you in devising an exit strategy. This will maximize your chances of moving on to your new job without a draw-out legal battle.

Unfortunately, too many clients contact us after-the-fact. Either an employee already signed a strict non-compete agreement without reviewing it first, or they left their job and received a letter threatening litigation. Sometimes the former employer does not wait to sue their employee, or outright demand the employee surrender their new employment. By then, an action plan becomes difficult, if not impossible.

What Should I Do When Leaving a Job with a Non-Compete Agreement?

Do not take confidential company information. In the months before you plan to leave your job, do not copy or take any confidential information.

This includes any of the following:

  • Customer lists
  • Trade secrets
  • Pricing information
  • Sales strategy
  • proprietary information
  • Company documents
  • Notes

It is best not to email, download or copy any of the company’s information or anything on the company’s computers. Evidence that you have done any of this will work against you in court. A judge might automatically suspect you were “up to no good.” He or she will inevitably rule against you. The first thing your former employer will do is hire a forensic computer expert. Next, they will examine your company computer. No matter how secretive you think you might have been, there is probably a log of your activity.

Additionally, you should:

  • not let clients or customers know you plan to leave: Your employer could use this as evidence in court that you were planning to steal its business. This is even if your intentions were completely innocent. After you leave, there may be ways to contact former clients or customers that do not violate your non-compete agreement.
  • consider negotiating with your current employer: You may not want to reveal your intention to leave to your employer. However, if you are sure you want to leave, it might make sense to speak with them to negotiate the non-compete. You might be able to negotiate your terms of departure before you leave. Give your employer advance notice of your departure. If you leave with little to no notice, it may provoke them to enforce the terms of the non-compete agreement.

If you signed a non-compete agreement and are looking for legal ways to get out of it, contact our firm at (856) 242-8491 today.

What Happens If I Violate My Non-Compete?

Your former employer may file a lawsuit against both you and your current employer. They may either seek monetary damages for any losses they allegedly suffered, or they will seek an injunction that prevents you from continuing the new job. There is also the possibility that they will seek both monetary damages and injunctive relief or do nothing at all. It is all at the discretion of your employer and what course of action they choose to take.

The best option for you personally is to not sign a non-compete agreement at all. If you have already signed one and you think you may be violating it or simply want to know your options, you need a non-compete lawyer familiar with employment law.

How Do I Start a New Job If I Have a Non-Compete Agreement?

Inform your prospective new employer. Provide your prospective employer with a copy of your New Jersey non-compete agreement. Allow them to review it. They must be comfortable to offer you a new position in light of your non-compete agreement. Be open with them. This will help you in the long run. You do not want your new employer to find out about your non-compete agreement via a letter or lawsuit from your former employer. They might fire you immediately rather than face litigation.

After informing your new employer about your non-compete agreement, speak about cooperation. You want an agreement that they will stand by you in the event your former employer sues you, they will not terminate you. Rather, they will defend you and possibly pay your legal fees if you are sued.

Keep in mind that if your employer does enforce your non-compete agreement, they will sue not only you, but your new employer. There is no way to keep your new employer out of the litigation. You want to enlist them as an ally before the fight begins.

What Is a Restrictive Covenant?

A restrictive covenant is any type of agreement that limits an employee’s actions. There are many types of restrictive covenants. A non-compete agreement is one type of restrictive covenant. Restrictive covenants are only enforceable in NJ if they meet employment law standards. Speak to an experienced employment law attorney if you are unsure if your restrictive covenant applies to you. A non-compete attorney at Schall and Barasch LLC will evaluate your restrictive covenant and can help negotiate the terms with your employer.

How To Get Out of a Non-Compete Agreement

As the partners at Schall & Barasch LLC, we have been involved in some of the most cutting-edge litigation in the State of New Jersey involving non-compete agreements, including the case of Maw v. Advanced Clinical Communications, Inc, which centered on the issue of an employee’s right to refuse to sign a non-compete agreement without the fear of losing her job.

Because of the perils of non-compete agreements, it is always far better to consult with an attorney before making your move, rather than after. We have often found that, upon close examination, a non-compete agreement may not be as airtight as it might first seem. We have even been able to negotiate employees out of their non-compete agreement altogether.

How Moorestown Non-Compete Attorneys, Schall & Barasch LLC Can Help

It is always better to speak with an attorney before leaving your job, rather than after. We always find that after examining a non-compete agreement, it is less airtight than clients originally thought. Sometimes, we can negotiate an employee out of their non-compete agreements.

If you have questions or concerns about how to handle a non-compete agreement you have signed, please contact our firm by filling out our online form or calling us at (856) 242-8491.

Tenacious & Strategic

Your Case Deserves a Resilient Voice
    Responsive, efficient & a pleasure to work with.

    “Without hesitation, I would recommend this firm to individuals needing employment consultation advice and counsel.”

    - Irena K.
    Very Professional & friendly.

    “Their experience in labor law and their expertise makes Schall & Barasch the choice for any labor-related issues.”

    - Surya N.
    Treated me with kindness & compassion at all times.

    “Richard worked tirelessly and diligently for me. I always felt that I was in the best hands possible and am very pleased with the outcome of my case.”

    - Jacquie W.
    Look no further!

    “Richard and the team knew exactly how to get me out of my career-hindering noncompete agreement. He made the process as smooth as it could be.”

    - Abigail S.
    I highly recommend them!

    “Very pleased with my representation by Richard Schall who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and kept on top of things during a long process.”

    - Victor D.
/

Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of New Jersey Employees

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please enter your city.
  • Please enter your state.
  • Please enter the company name.
  • Please enter your date of hire.
  • Please enter your age.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please briefly describe your situation.