Non Compete Lawyers in Massachusetts
Non Compete Attorneys You Can TrustYou've landed your dream job, but as you look through the stack of onboarding paperwork you notice a non compete agreement. That agreement could either keep you shackled to the job forever or out of work for many months while you wait out the non compete.
Or perhaps you are looking to change jobs, or start your own business, and as you dig through your paperwork you remember that you signed a non compete agreement years ago. The wrong move could cost you time out of your career. It could also saddle you with court costs and attorneys fees if you get into a legal battle with your former employer. At slnlaw, we have helped hundreds of people navigate their non compete agreements under Massachusetts law. Our founding attorney Emily Smith-Lee has provided commentary on Massachusetts non compete agreements to the New York Times, as well as to Super Lawyers Magazine. We bring this expertise and experience to every matter. We can advise about whether to sign a non compete. We can negotiate with your employer to modify or clarify your agreement. Finally, if a fight can't be avoided, we can defend you in court against a lawsuit by your former employer. You can read some examples of people we have helped with their non compete agreements. Non Compete ServicesWhether you need a lawyer to review your non compete, help responding to a cease and desist letter, or advice about what you can do after leaving your job, we can help. Our non compete lawyers can help you at any stage of a dispute. The most common and critical moments for you to seek legal advice are described below.
Consideration of a new non compete. When you are offered a new job and asked to sign a restrictive covenant, you now have the right to ten business days to review it and to consult with an attorney. We will review whether the agreement includes garden leave and other provisions required under the new Massachusetts non compete law. Many employers are using free or cost templates from the internet that do not contain all of the required elements. We will also review the specifics about your industry and your job to analyze whether the agreement protects a legitimate business interest of your new employer. Finally, there are provisions that are common in non compete agreements that are not subject to the new law and that you should understand. These include non-solicitation clauses and nondisclosure agreements. Planning for a new job working for a competitor or starting a new business. The time to assess your agreement is before you make this important decision. Whether your agreement falls under the new law or the old rules, we can review your agreement and situation to help you make a smooth transition to your next step without litigation. Responding to a cease and desist letter. After you take a new job or start a new business, you may receive a cease and desist letter from your former employer. Typically these letters accuse you of violating your non compete and demand that you stop immediately. The letter may also go to your new employer threatening a lawsuit for interference with your non compete. There is no need to panic. We can help you assess your defenses and any potential counterclaims and respond to the cease and desist demand letter. Defending a lawsuit. You may receive notice that your former employer has actually filed a lawsuit in the Massachusetts Superior Court or other court seeking to enforce your non compete. We know all of the defenses to non compete lawsuits, and what questions to ask to make sure we can put your very best foot forward. Our non compete attorneys and staff will be right by your side through the whole process. Learn more about our non compete lawsuit defense practice. |
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We have years of experience representing people in non compete lawsuits in Massachusetts state and federal courts, as well as responding to cease and desist letters, and we would be happy to help. You can use the button below to schedule a call back from a member of our team, or give us a call at 781-784-2322.
