Columbia, MD Employment Agreement Dispute Lawyers
Rockville, Maryland Employment Contract Dispute Attorneys
Employment contracts and other related agreements can establish the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of employers and employees. Employers may believe that non-compete or non-disclosure agreements are necessary to protect their interests, but employees may be concerned about whether these agreements will limit their ability to pursue employment or whether they may be affected in other ways. Disputes can arise when one party is accused of violating the terms of an employment contract, severance agreement, or other type of agreement. If you are an employee who has been accused of breaching an agreement or an employer who needs to enforce your rights, the employment law attorneys at Freedman Law, LLC can provide the representation you need as you work to resolve these issues.
Common Breaches of Employment Agreements
There are a variety of situations in which an employer may accuse an employee or former employee of breaching an employment agreement. It is important for the parties involved in these cases to understand the implications of a breach and the steps that can be taken to resolve disputes.
Breach of Non-Compete Agreements
Former employees may sign agreements that will prohibit them from working with their former employer's competitors or starting similar businesses after leaving a company. If an employee accepts a job with a competing business in violation of these terms, the employer may take legal action to prevent them from engaging in prohibited activities or to recover compensation for losses that have occurred as a result of the breach. Courts typically only enforce non-compete agreements that are considered to be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic limitation. Our attorneys can help determine whether this type of breach has occurred and how to address issues related to a breach.
Breach of Non-Disclosure Agreements
NDAs can be crucial for protecting a company's confidential information, such as trade secrets, proprietary data, and client lists. A breach of an NDA might occur if an employee discloses confidential information to a third party without authorization. These breaches can result in significant financial harm to the employer. Our lawyers can help determine whether protected information has been disclosed, quantify the resulting damages, and make sure the appropriate legal actions are taken.
Breach of Non-Solicitation Agreements
Former employees may agree to refrain from soliciting clients or other employees after leaving their employer. A breach of a non-solicitation agreement might occur if a former employee attempts to lure away the company's clients or hires away key personnel. In such cases, legal action may be necessary to enforce the agreement and protect the employer's business interests.
General Breach of Employment Contracts
An employment contract may include various other terms and conditions that, if violated, can lead to a breach of contract claim. These breaches may involve the failure to fulfill job responsibilities, premature resignation without notice, or refusal to return company property. Employers may seek damages for any losses they have experienced due to violations of employment contracts. Our attorneys can help employees and employers address these issues correctly and resolve disputes effectively.
How an Employment Lawyer Can Assist With Breach of Contract Issues
Employment agreements are designed to protect the interests of both the employer and the employee. When one party believes that the terms of an agreement have been violated, they may take legal action to enforce the agreement and protect their interests. Our experienced employment law attorneys can provide support in these situations by:
- Evaluating the Validity of an Agreement: The first step in addressing any alleged breach of an employment agreement is to determine whether the agreement is legally enforceable. Certain clauses, such as non-compete agreements, are subject to stringent legal standards and they must be reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic limitation. Our lawyers can assess the agreement in question to ensure it meets the legal requirements, and we can help our clients understand whether certain terms are enforceable.
- Investigating the Alleged Breach: Our attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding the alleged violation of an employment agreement. We can gather evidence, review communications, and interview witnesses to build a comprehensive understanding of the case. The goal is to identify whether a breach actually occurred and to what extent it has impacted the employer or employee.
- Advising on Legal Remedies: Depending on the specifics of the breach, we can provide guidance on the appropriate actions that may be taken. This may include seeking damages for losses incurred, pursuing injunctive relief to prevent further breaches, or negotiating a settlement to resolve the issue without resorting to litigation.
- Representation in Negotiations or Mediation: Many employment agreement disputes can be resolved outside of court, avoiding the time and expense of litigation. Our lawyers can provide representation in these discussions, striving to reach a fair and favorable resolution that protects our client's interests.
- Pursuing Litigation: If a dispute cannot be resolved through other means, a lawsuit may become necessary. In these situations, our experienced attorneys will present a strong case on behalf of our client, using evidence and legal arguments to seek a favorable outcome in court.
Contact Our McLean, Virginia Employment Agreement Litigation Attorneys
When addressing issues related to employment agreements as an employer or an employee, it is essential to work with a skilled, experienced lawyer to ensure that your rights will be protected. At Freedman Law, LLC, we can provide guidance on the best ways to resolve employment agreement disputes, and we will work to protect your interests when negotiating settlements or litigating cases in court. Contact us at 410-290-6232 to set up a consultation today.