Q: Can a former employer prevent me from performing the same work for a competitor or on my own?
I have been given an employment contract that should I resign or be terminate prevents me from performing the same work for a competitor or opening my own business. Can they legally prevent me in Maryland from continuing to work in my chosen career? I understand I cannot solicit their current clientele.
A:
I would suggest you have the agreement reviewed by an employment lawyer. The lawyer should be able to give you a sense of the enforceability of the agreement. The wording of these agreements vary and the wording matters. Also, what you do at work is an important part of the analysis. I have written a few posts on this subject. See the following links:
http://mdemploymentlaw.blogspot.com/2008/05/what-to-do-when-you-are-threatened-with.html
http://mdemploymentlaw.blogspot.com/2007/03/non-competes-are-only-enforceable-if.html
http://mdemploymentlaw.blogspot.com/2006/10/q-can-you-leverage-your-way-out-of.html
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