Chicago Non-Compete Agreement

Find the right Non-Compete Agreement attorney in Chicago, IL

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Generally, a covenant not to compete is when an Illinois employee agrees not to work for an employer's competitors when the employee leaves the company. Covenants not to compete are also known as "non-compete clauses". Compensation might be paid for employees who sign the covenant, or at times the employment might be conditioned upon such an agreement.

When are Covenants not to Compete Unenforceable?

Foreseeing whether or not a judge will uphold a covenant not to compete is generally difficult. While the employer?s interests are significant, Illinois courts place great weight on an individual?s freedom to pursue the employment they want. Accordingly, courts have only upheld those agreements that they consider reasonable under the circumstances. Terms contained in a covenant not to compete will be struck down by a court as unreasonable if they bind the employee for an unusually long period of time or if they cover an unreasonably large geographic area around Chicago.

Covenants not to compete are also required to deal only with competitors who are reasonably related to the employer's line of industry. Finally, the employer must have a legitimate business interest behind its motivation for mandating a covenant not to compete.

Do I Need an Attorney when Dealing with a Covenant not to Compete?

Since covenants could restrict your rights, you may wish to hire a Chicago, Illinois lawyer to review any documents. They will be able to negotiate further changes to the covenant, and can draft an entirely new one that is acceptable to all parties if needed. Attorneys can provide valuable counseling to employers who are contemplating suing an employer who breached a covenant not to compete. They can also assist employees who have signed an agreement limiting their employment options.

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Life in Chicago

Many people often think of Chicago as a mini-New York City with nicer people. Chicago in fact is a large city with a lot to offer tourists, include warm and friendly hospitality.

Popular attractions in Chicago include Willis Tower Skydeck, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park Zoo, Art Institute of Chicago, Wrigley Field, Grant Park, and the Magnificent Mile. Additionally, Chicago is home to many great restaurants. In fact, the style of deep-dish pizza originated in Chicago.

If one would like to catch a Broadway show, they can at Broadway Theater. Famous universities such as Northwestern University and the University of Chicago also have wonderful, historical campuses that tourists often enjoy touring.

Being such a well-known city, many firms have office locations in Chicago, Illinois. Firms such as Baker McKenzie, Sidley Austin, Mayer, Brown Platt, and Winston Strawn have large offices that employ brilliant attorneys. Additionally, many small and mid-size firms are also present in Chicago. All in all, residents of Chicago have no need to worry for any legal inquiry of theirs can be handled by the legal force in Chicago.

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