Before starting a job, human resources typically hands you a stack of paperwork to review and sign.  If you're like me, you probably focus on the forms regarding paydays and vacations.  But did you know that these stacks of paper can contain documents that drastically affect your right to work?  It's important to understand what these documents mean and how they could affect your employment at the company and beyond.  

​

Non-Compete/Non-Solicit.  Employers use non-compete and non-solicit agreements to restrict what their employees can do after their employment.  For example, the agreement may try to prevent you from accepting a new job if the job is with a company that your employer deems to be a competitor.  Your employer may try to prohibit you from dealing with the customers you built great relationships with.  Unfortunately, employers use non-compete and non-solicit agreements to prevent departing employees from obtaining new work and advancing in their careers.  These agreements can be difficult to enforce if the employer did not comply with the restriction set by law, like geographic restrictions, time restrictions, and the adequacy of the consideration or what thing of value was exchanged so that the employee gave up a right.  Fortunately, I have the experience necessary to help employees understand these documents and their rights. 

​

Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure. Certain company information, like trade secrets and proprietary information (think secret soda formulas), are protected from disclosure by the law.  You likely signed documents that prohibit you from disclosing this information.  Your employer could try to use these documents against you to interfere with a new job.  It's not uncommon for an employer to sue a former employee alleging that they stole confidential company information, like customer lists or pricing information.  However, not everything an employer says is confidential is truly confidential or a trade secret.  Factors like how you obtained the information, how your employer protected the information, and how well known the information was to people outside of your company can greatly affect the strength of the claims asserted against you.  I defend individuals against these claims and protect their careers.  

​

Employment Contracts.  You may have signed an employment contract.  These contracts are more common for higher-level employees.  These contracts can establish the duration of employment, bonuses, job duties, and grounds for termination.  They may also include other provisions, like confidentiality and non-compete clauses.  If your employer has failed to hold up its end of the bargain, whether by failing to pay your bonus, terminating you on improper grounds, or anything else, I can help you enforce your rights. 

​

If your former employer has threatened to sue you or has sued you or if you believe you have a claim against them, I can help.  Reach out to me today. 

​

Important Disclosure: Not Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

​

​