Jacksonville, FL asked in Employment Law for Florida

Q: Can I take on clients of my former employer without violating noncompete laws if those clients seek me out on their own?

I recently left a website company where I worked as a blogger / content manager and formed my own writing / content management company. I made my former employer my client and continued the same work, providing blogging and content services for his clients. I am considering dropping this primary client and, as a result, all of the clients that he is outsourcing to me. I suspect that a few of his clients will want to continue working with me and may approach me on their own. If this happens, can I take on those clients directly without violating typical nondisclosure laws? I've misplaced but am looking for the noncompete agreement that I signed. In any case, I do not intend to approach these clients, but would not be opposed to working with them so long as I'm not in violation of laws or professional ethics. Thank you for your help.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
Answered
  • Freeeport, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: There is no such thing as a " typical nondisclosure law". It's a matter of contract. You will need to find out some way to get a copy of the agreement.

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
Answered
  • Lake Mary, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: We would need to see the noncompete, but I HIGHLY doubt it. Just ask for a copy of the agreement, your company won't hide it.

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