When employees sign non-compete agreements, they’re promising not to compete with their employer’s business while employed by the company and for a specified amount of time after leaving. Contract disputes typically occur when either the employer or employee fails to understand their rights and duties under the agreement and New Jersey law. At Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in Hackensack, our NJ non-compete attorneys thoroughly explain what your covenant not to compete means and whether it has been breached.
Whether you’re in the final stages of a job search or already working, you may be asked to sign a restrictive covenant such as a non-compete agreement. A non-compete is a contract with an employer that may prohibit the employee from:
Non-competes are usually intended to prevent the employee from using information or training gained from the employer to benefit another business. If you’re presented with a non-compete agreement, one of our employment lawyers can review the document, assess its legality and possibly negotiate more favorable terms.
It’s critical to understand if a non-compete contract is enforceable under New Jersey law. Every contract is unique, but in general, the following factors will determine whether the agreement is valid in New Jersey:
Courts strictly review non-compete agreements to ensure that employees are not forced out of their town or profession in search of work. If a non-compete prohibits you from using professional skills that you developed over the years, the restrictions are likely to be ruled overly broad and unenforceable.
Before you sign a non-compete agreement, we will review it in depth, explain what it requires of you and advise whether or not the terms are reasonable. We will suggest revisions and, if the employer is amenable, re-negotiate the terms for you.
If you plan on leaving your company, we can review your non-compete agreement and advise you on its legality, including the limits of its enforceability.
If your non-compete agreement prevents you from pursuing the types of career opportunities that best fit your qualifications or interests, you may decide to challenge the agreement’s validity on the following grounds:
Speak to a lawyer if you believe you’re being improperly constrained by the terms of a non-compete agreement. One of our attorneys can examine the document you signed and advise you on your legal rights and obligations. We also defend employees in civil lawsuits filed by employers.
If you signed a non-compete agreement, the experienced attorneys of Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in Hackensack, New Jersey can offer guidance and advice regarding your rights and liabilities. To schedule a consultation, call 551-245-8894 or contact us online.