If you are hired by a new company, you may be asked to sign several documents. Too many people sign these documents without fully reading or understanding their contents, only to later learn the documents were legally binding contracts. One common contract that may be required for new employees is a non-compete agreement.
Non-compete agreements can vary widely and some may not be in your best interests or may be unreasonable. If you are not absolutely certain of what you are signing, you should never hesitate to have an experienced employment lawyer review the contract prior to signing. An attorney can explain to you the various terms and advise you whether they are reasonable. If you have been asked to sign a non-compete, call HKM Employment Attorneys for assistance today.
What Is a Non-Compete Agreement?
It is natural that many employers do not want their employees working for competitors, due to the risk of leaked information or losing clients. By signing a non-compete, you are often agreeing that you will not seek employment or perform work for competing companies during the tenure of your employment.
In addition, many non-competes restrict your employment after you leave the company, as well. A company does not want you to take your work directly to a competitor, so the agreements often prohibit you from working for certain competing companies following your resignation or termination. The agreement will also often prohibit you from sharing any sensitive or confidential information or trade secrets with other companies.
It is important to identify whether your prospective non-compete agreement is reasonable or not prior to signing. For example, some unreasonable contracts may prohibit you from the following:
- Working in any capacity for any company that may be considered a competitor without limiting the scope of the job restriction;
- Working for a competitor for an unspecified or excessive period of time;
- Working for a company within a geographical area that is excessively large.
Such agreements will likely be deemed overly broad and may not be enforceable by the courts. However, instead of signing now and facing a legal battle later, it is always best to ensure any agreement you sign is reasonable and does not excessively restrict your rights.
Contact An Experienced Las Vegas Employment Contracts Attorney Today
It is always wise to have a knowledgeable attorney review any contract before you sign it – and non-compete agreements and other employment contracts are no different. If you sign a contract without fully understanding its implications, you can find that your rights are later restricted or that you are facing liability for taking certain actions. At the law office of HKM Employment Attorneys, we closely review non-competition clauses and employment contracts to ensure the terms are reasonable and favorable. We can also assist you in negotiating better terms if necessary. If you have been asked to sign an employment contract call our Las Vegas office today at 702-625-3893 or contact us online.
