It is important to understand what a non-compete agreement entails before you sign one. Continue reading and reach out to our experienced and dedicated Knoxville employment attorneys today to learn more. Our legal team is committed to protecting you and your future.
What is a non-compete agreement in Tennessee?
Once an individual is hired for a new job, it is likely that they will have to sign a non-compete agreement. This type of agreement is essentially a clause that is used in employment contracts that restrict the circumstances under which an individual can quit their job to take another one. The most significant concerns for a company using these agreements are that an employee will obtain field-specific information or trade secrets, quit their current job, and apply to a competing company in the same field. This clause mainly targets jobs that are within the same industry and geographical location.
Non-competes can be presented to employees at the start of employment or even mid-way through employment, however, they will need to be reinforced by some consideration, which means something given in exchange for the agreement.
If you have questions or concerns about non-compete agreements, do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced employment law firm to learn more and evaluate the specifics of your case.
What are my options if the non-compete agreement is too limiting?
It is not uncommon for non-compete agreements to be too limiting. That is when legal claims can arise because these agreements might be unfair to employees. Typically, non-compete agreements include both time and geography limits. For example, a non-compete agreement may claim that an employee is forbidden from using insider knowledge at a competing company for the next 5 years and may only apply to a certain state or area.
It is necessary to note, however, that each case is different and the court will weigh the facts of each case individually. These matters are highly subjective, and as a result, they require the assistance of an experienced employment law attorney, whether you are the employee or the employer. If you find that your non-compete agreement is too big in scope or is just unreasonable in general, do not wait to reach out to our Knoxville employment attorneys
before you sign your agreement.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED TENNESSEE FIRM
If you need a Knoxville workers’ compensation lawyer or employment law attorney, Morris & Doolan is here to support you. Our firm has significant experience representing clients facing a wide range of workers’ compensation matters, including denial of benefits, appeals, and third-party lawsuits. If you need a Tennessee employment lawyer, we are experienced in handling matters ranging from discrimination and sexual harassment to wrongful termination and FMLA. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
