Lewisville Non-Compete Agreement Lawyer

Lewisville Non-Compete Agreement Attorney

Lewisville, Texas, operates as a vibrant hub for business and commerce along I-35E. To protect your business, medical practice, or legal practice from unnecessary or unfair competition, you may look to a non-compete agreement to protect you and your hard work. On the other hand, you might be an employee accused of violating a non-compete agreement. In either case, a Lewisville non-compete agreement lawyer is here to help protect you and your rights.

For over two decades, the award-winning team at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC has successfully helped both business owners and employees navigate the legal intricacies of non-compete agreements in Texas. We are here to review your agreement and point out any issues that may hurt you, your business, or another party in the future. Some employees may be under the assumption that signing a non-compete is non-negotiable, but that isn’t always the case, and we are here to help.

What Is a Non-Compete Agreement in Lewisville, Texas?

In the United States, nearly one in every five workers is bound in a non-compete agreement that keeps them from finding a new job or starting their own business in the same field as their previous employer. A non-compete agreement is a legally binding document that is established between an employer and their employees that prevents the employee from seeking a job with or becoming a competitor if they were to leave or be terminated from their current employment.

Many non-compete agreements in Texas have specific end dates, and though they may not always be entirely enforceable, they can come with harsh restrictions. In Texas, non-compete agreements are only enforceable if the document itself meets certain requirements. These requirements are in place to ensure that the non-compete is fair and does not harm either the employer or the employee in any way.

Additionally, a non-compete agreement can only be enforced if it is part of a separate agreement that is completely enforceable on its own, or it contains the following provisions:

• Be reasonable within a geographical location
• Be reasonable in duration or the time limit of the non-compete
• Be reasonable within the scope of activity

A non-compete agreement must also be exchanged for something that is considered useful to the employee, such as being offered confidential information, for example, trade secrets or access to proprietary business methods. If the court believes that these elements are either broader than is necessary to protect the business or employer’s interests, the court can choose to nullify or reform the contract.

If you are an employee, worried that the non-compete you are being asked to sign is unfair to you, are an employer trying to enforce a non-compete agreement, or are concerned that a past employee is in violation of an existing non-compete, the team at Alagood Cartwright Burke PC is here for you.

Why You Should Hire a Non-Compete Agreement Lawyer from Alagood Cartwright Burke PC

In Texas, around 11.4% of all workers are under some kind of non-compete agreement. These contracts can be confusing or intimidating, especially for employees who are signing one for the first time. Having a lawyer look it over is always a good idea. The biggest concern when signing a non-compete is that it will affect you in negative ways in the future. You might find you are inadvertently closing yourself off from future opportunities or goals.

At Alagood Cartwright Burke PC, our team can help you in several different ways, whether you are an employee or employer dealing with a non-compete agreement. When you hire a non-compete agreement lawyer from our firm for your Lewisville non-compete agreement case, we can help by:

• Drafting the non-compete agreement. At Alagood Cartwright Burke PC, our team can help your company draft a non-compete contract in order to ensure that it is both enforceable and works to protect your Lewisville, Texas business. If your agreement does not include certain provisions, it will likely not be enforceable, but we can help make sure that it is.
• Enforcing the non-compete agreement. For some businesses, only a certain number of their employees are under a non-compete, whereas for others, their entire team must sign one. Enforcing a non-compete can be difficult, but if you believe one has been violated, we can help minimize damage.
• Defending you against a non-compete violation claim. If you have been accused of violating a non-compete agreement or misappropriating trade secrets, our team can defend you. Common defenses include employer breach of contract or illegitimate business interests. In violation claims, we can represent both the employee or the employer.
• Reviewing a non-compete. If you have been asked by your employer to sign a non-compete agreement, we have the ability to review the agreement and negotiate any terms to ensure they are both fair and enforceable. We want to protect both the rights and interests of employees and employers, and ensure a non-compete is both fair and reasonable.

How to Enforce a Non-Compete

If you believe a past employee is in violation of a non-compete agreement, you have the right to seek a temporary injunction or a temporary restraining order. This can allow the employee to stop their behavior or allow them time to construct a defense. However, this is why it is so important that you act quickly. In order to obtain either one of these orders, you must be able to prove that your business will suffer damages if an order is not granted.

Additionally, in order to obtain a temporary injunction, you must be able to prove the following:

• A cause of action has taken place.
• You have the right to seek relief.
• Damages will occur if you do not get this injunction.
• There is no other adequate remedy available under the law.

Speak to a Trusted Lewisville Non-Compete Agreement Attorney Today

In Texas, the success of your business hinges on how it is legally protected. At Alagood Cartwright Burke PC, we are passionate about ensuring that your business is both protected and that the rights of your employees are protected. Whether you need a non-compete reviewed or are concerned that a past employee is violating a non-compete, we are here to help. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation.