Cook County Non-Compete Agreement Lawyer

Employees are often required to sign certain agreements upon accepting employment or when leaving a company. A non-compete agreement is a common contract used to prevent employees from using the knowledge they gained from their employer to form a competing business or take positions with competitors. However, when an agreement is overly restrictive, it can be unfair to employees. An experienced Cook County non-compete agreement lawyer could help ensure fairness in non-compete contracts to protect both employers and employees. Whether you are an employer proactively dealing with potential issues or an employee making a career change, working with an employment contract lawyer could help you avoid costly mistakes.

What Is a Non-Compete Agreement?

A non-compete agreement is a contract (or clause within a larger contract) that limits an employee from competing with their former employer during employment and after termination. It is typically signed by an employee upon being hired or when accepting a severance package. Non-compete agreements protect employers from competition by restricting the area in which an employee can operate in the same industry or from using confidential information to support a competitor. A typical agreement states that the employee will not work for any similar business in the same or a similar role within a specific mile radius for a defined number of years after employment.

While an employee cannot be required to sign a non-compete agreement, declining may mean jeopardizing a potential job offer or voiding eligibility for a severance package. In some cases, a non-compete agreement attorney can assist a Cook County employee in negotiating for modifications in the agreement.

When Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable?

Balancing the rights of employers and employees in non-compete agreements can be complex. To avoid disputes, the courts consider specific factors about the terms of the contract. In Illinois, non-compete agreements are only enforceable if they protect legitimate business interests. Factors used to make a determination include the following:

• The near permanence of customer relationships
• The enforcement of the agreement will not be harmful to the public
• The requirements do not impose undue hardship on the employee
• The length of time and distance restrictions described in the agreement
• The employee’s acquisition of confidential information through employment
• The agreement is no greater than required to protect the employer’s business interest



Employers often seek a Cook County lawyer to draft a non-compete agreement that aligns with Illinois employment law. An attorney with experience handling non-compete negotiations and disputes has in-depth knowledge of how the courts handle these cases and can help employers avoid crucial missteps that could lead to a lawsuit in the future.

Contact an Experienced Cook County Non-Compete Agreement Attorney

Signing a non-compete agreement is common when accepting a new position. However, failure to pay attention to the terms of the agreement can impact your career in the future. Whether you are drafting a non-compete agreement or deciding whether you should sign one, seeking legal advice from a skilled Cook County non-compete agreement lawyer is in your best interest. Non-compete agreements that are overly restrictive or unfairly limit the ability of a worker to earn a living are not enforceable in court. An experienced attorney could help each party understand their rights and negotiate fair terms when necessary. The attorneys at S.T. Legal Group have extensive experience handling non-compete agreement disputes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn your rights in a non-compete agreement case.