Houston Non-Compete Contract Attorneys
If you are considering an executive or management job offer, you will likely be expected to sign an employment contract before beginning work. Many of these contracts include non-compete clauses, which are meant to prevent you from helping your employers’ competitors after leaving the job. In Texas, the restrictions placed on employers offering non-compete contracts can be strict.
If you have been offered a contract with one of these clauses, you need to be well informed about your legal rights. A Houston non-compete contract lawyer from the Ross Law Group can help you determine whether your contract is fair, and protect your rights if you ever find a different job. Call us today at 800-634-8042 to learn more.
Recognizing a Valid Non-Compete Contract
An employment contract must meet certain standards to be considered legally enforceable. In our state, these standards include:
- Reciprocity. A non-compete agreement can only be made as part of a larger contract that offers benefits to both the employer and employee. A contract that consists of nothing but a non-compete agreement, without making further requirements or concessions, is likely invalid.
- Necessity. Your employer needs a legitimate reason to not want you working for another company in the same field after you leave. For example, if you have access to trade secrets or specialized training as part of your job, your employer has a reasonable interest in not allowing you to leave and put that training to use for a competitor.
- Reason. The restrictions placed on you by your contract must be specific and reasonable. The law is vague about what constitutes “reasonable,” which can make legal disputes between workers and their former employers highly complicated.
Whether you are beginning a new job, or considering leaving your current employer for a competitor, the advice of a Houston non-compete contract attorney can be a valuable asset.
Contact Us
The Houston non-compete contract lawyers of the Ross Law Group have over 45 years of legal experience. Contact us today at 800-634-8042.