More and more California businesses are requiring executives and other workers to sign a variety of contract clauses to protect the interests of the business. Among the types of common pacts are noncompete, confidentiality and severance agreements. Technology companies and intellectual property businesses in Silicon Valley frequently require a worker to sign a noncompete clause. Employers typically do not think about the rights of a worker in drafting these contracts. Their only concern is protecting the business. Most of these agreements go too far.
At the Law Offices of Jeremy Pasternak, we have fought to protect the rights of workers in California for 20 years. Many executives, software developers and skilled technical employees mistakenly believe that noncompete agreements are set in stone and enforceable; most in fact are NOT enforceable. California law generally prohibits non-compete clauses and other restrictive covenants. This is true even when the restrictions are only for a limited time or apply only to a limited geography — they are almost always still unlawful, and many of the terms in non-compete and other restrictive agreements are not worth the paper they are printed on.
If you have signed an employment contract that is impeding your ability to earn a living, or if a former employer is threatening you over a noncompete agreement, do not assume that the restrictions in the contract are legally enforceable. We can review your circumstances and provide you with the legal guidance and representation to help you protect your livelihood. Evaluating these provisions of an employment contract requires a detailed analysis of both the employee’s and the employer’s rights
We have substantial experience in unraveling the many layers of these complex contracts. Our skill in parsing out the terms of a contract that violate your rights is your advantage in protecting your employment rights. Our attorneys are well-prepared to provide you with solid legal counsel and representation. To discuss your concerns about any employment contract issue, we invite you to call 415-693-0300 or send us an email to arrange a free consultation with a skilled trial lawyer in San Francisco or Los Angeles.
