Hartford Non-Compete Agreement

Usually, a covenant not to compete is when a Connecticut 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". An employee who signs them either does so as a condition to employment or they can receive compensation for the agreement.

When are Covenants not to Compete Unenforceable?

Knowing in advance whether a judge will enforce an employee's non-compete clause can be challenging. Although the interests of employers are significant, courts in Connecticut also give importance to an employee's freedom to choose the type of employment that they desire. As a result, courts usually uphold only those covenants that are consider to be reasonable according to the circumstances. Covenants not to compete that a court will categorize as unreasonable include agreements that last for a long duration or that restrict the employee to an unreasonable geographic area around Hartford.

Non-compete clauses are also limited in that they may only apply to competitors who are rationally related to the industry of the employer. Finally, the employer needs to have an acceptable business purpose which justifies their motives in requiring their employee to sign a covenant not to compete.

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

Before signing anything that may restrict your rights, you might want to hire a Hartford, Connecticut attorney to review the contract. A lawyer can then negotiate to modify the covenant as needed, or might even draft a new one that is acceptable to both parties A lawyer can also render useful advice for employers who are contemplating suing an employee for breach of covenant, or they can counsel employees who have signed such an agreement.

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Life in Hartford

Hartford, Connecticut is a diverse and historic city located in Hartford County. It is the state capital as well as the county seat for Hartford County. The Hartford metropolitan region boasts the second highest national rating for per capita economic activity (behind San Francisco). It is part of an area known as the "Knowledge Corridor", which is home to thirty-two colleges and universities.

Hartford, Connecticut is also nicknamed "the Insurance Capital of the World", as it houses headquarters for several major insurance companies. The insurance field is Hartford's major industry. The Phoenix Mutual Life Insurance Building is one of the city's main features. Other places of interest in Hartford are the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch and the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts.

Being nearly 400 years old, Hartford Connecticut is home to a whole host of "oldest" operations in the U.S. A few examples include the nation's oldest published newspaper in operation (The Hartford Courant); the oldest public park (Bushnell Park) and the Wadsworth Atheneum, which is the country's oldest public art museum. Notable residents have included author Mark Twain and actress Katharine Hepburn. The city also boasts a large number of modern retail stores and restaurants.

Lawyers in Hartford, Connecticut continue the city's rich history in legal services. Hartford lawyers are knowledgeable of the various statutes and laws that regulate the city's businesses and population. They are available for legal assistance in a broad range of legal fields.

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When are Covenants not to Compete Unenforceable?