Columbia Non-Compete and Non-Disclosure Agreement Attorneys

Maryland Employment Lawyers for Non-Compete Agreements and NDAs

Non-compete agreements and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are common tools used by employers to protect their business interests. While these agreements may be necessary in certain situations, they can place significant restrictions on employees and former employees. In some cases, a legal agreement may limit a person's ability to work in their chosen field or share certain information after leaving a job, potentially limiting their future employment opportunities and career growth.

Employees who have been asked to sign non-compete agreements or NDAs will need to understand how to protect their rights and ensure that they will be treated fairly. At Freedman Law, LLC, our employment law attorneys can work with clients to ensure that they can address these issues correctly. We can help employees negotiate agreements or resolve conflicts with former employers. We can also work with employers to ensure that their agreements with their employees will be legally valid, and we can provide representation to help address breached employment agreements and enforce our clients' rights.

Understanding Non-Compete Agreements

When an employer and employee enter into a non-compete agreement, the employee will face certain restrictions that are meant to prevent unfair competition. An employee may not be allowed to work for a direct competitor or start a competing business for a specified period after leaving the employer. Non-compete clauses may be included in severance agreements, and they may include restrictions related to:

• Geographic Scope: The agreement may limit where the former employee can work, such as within a certain city, state, or region.
• Duration: Non-compete agreements will specify how long the restrictions will last, which can range from several months to several years.
• Industry or Job Role: The agreement may prevent the former employee from working in specific fields or serving in positions that would directly compete with the former employer.
• Consideration: An employer must provide an employee with something of value in return for agreeing to the restrictions imposed by a non-compete agreement. In some cases, this consideration may consist of the wages and benefits an employee earned while working for the employer. In others, a severance package may provide compensation for an employee in return for signing a non-compete agreement.

Non-compete agreements can have a profound impact on an employee's ability to find new work. For this reason, courts scrutinize these agreements closely to ensure they are reasonable and do not impose undue hardship on the employee. If an agreement is too restrictive, preventing an employee from finding employment where they can use their skills and experience, it may be found to be invalid and unenforceable. Freedman Law, LLC can help employees review non-compete agreements, negotiate reasonable terms, and challenge agreements that are overly restrictive or unfair.

Understanding Non-Disclosure Agreements

Employers may require employees to sign contracts that require them to keep certain information confidential. This information may include trade secrets, client lists, business strategies, or other proprietary data. NDAs are designed to protect an employer's intellectual property and prevent employees from sharing sensitive information with competitors or the public.

NDAs typically cover:

• Types of Information: The agreement will specify what information is considered confidential and must be kept private.
• Duration of Confidentiality: NDAs may require employees to maintain confidentiality indefinitely, or they may apply for a specific period after the employee stops working for the employer.
• Permitted Disclosures: The agreement may outline exceptions where the employee is allowed to disclose certain information, such as to government authorities or as required by law.

While NDAs are common in many industries, it is important for employees to understand their obligations under these agreements, the ways these restrictions may affect their careers, and the potential consequences of violating an NDA. Freedman Law, LLC provides guidance to employees as they address these issues, helping them understand the terms of NDAs, negotiating favorable terms, and defending against claims of NDA violations.

How Employers Can Protect Their Rights When Negotiating and Enforcing Agreements

Freedman Law, LLC can assist employers with issues related to non-disclosure and non-compete agreements. We can help them ensure that these agreements are legally sound while providing representation to help protect their business interests. We can help with:

• Drafting Valid and Enforceable Agreements: Our lawyers work with employers to draft non-compete agreements and NDAs that are reasonable and enforceable. We can ensure that agreements comply with all applicable state and federal laws and that they are tailored to the specific needs of the business.
• Enforcing Agreements: If a former employee violates a non-compete or NDA, our attorneys can help employers determine their best options, which may include pursuing legal action to prevent the former employee from working for a competitor, stop the disclosure of confidential information, or recover compensation for financial losses caused by a violation.
• Resolving Disputes: Our lawyers can help employers resolve disputes with former employees through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. We will work to protect our clients' business interests while minimizing their legal risks.

Contact Our Rockville, MD Non-Compete and NDA Lawyers

Whether you are an employee being asked to sign a non-compete or NDA or an employer seeking to protect your business, Freedman Law, LLC can assist you. Our attorneys will help you take steps to ensure that your rights are protected while working to resolve any disputes that you may encounter. For effective legal help, contact us and set up a consultation by calling 410-290-6232.