When employees sign non-compete agreements, they are 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 attorneys thoroughly explain what your covenant not to compete means. We can also determine whether it has been breached.
Whether you are in the final stages of a job search or you are already working for a company, you may be asked to sign a restrictive covenant such as a non-compete agreement. A non-compete agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee that may prohibit an 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 are 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 is 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 found overly broad and unenforceable.
If your non-compete agreement is preventing you from pursuing the type of career opportunities that best fit your qualifications or interests, you may decide to challenge the validity of the non-compete. Common reasons for challenging non-compete agreements include:
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 clients in civil lawsuits filed by employers.
If you signed a non-compete agreement and want to know your rights and duties under it, the experienced attorneys of Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in Hackensack, New Jersey can offer guidance and advice. To schedule a consultation with an attentive employment lawyer, call 551-245-8894 or contact us online.