Non-Compete Agreements

How non-compete clauses actually work, what makes them enforceable, and where courts will push back.

A non-compete restricts where you may work after you leave. Courts weigh three limits: how long it lasts, how far it reaches, and how much activity it actually covers.

Enforceability varies sharply by state, and several states will not enforce these against most workers. A clause that is unenforceable where you live still deters employers who read it.

Narrow the definition of competitive work before you sign. A restriction tied to named competitors and a defined role is far easier to live with than one tied to a whole industry.