Oak Park Non-Compete Agreement

Find the right Non-Compete Agreement attorney in Oak Park, 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 may be paid for employees who sign the covenant, or at times the employment may be conditioned upon such an agreement.

When are Covenants not to Compete Unenforceable?

Knowing in advance whether a judge will enforce an employee's non-compete clause can be difficult. Although the interests of employers are important, courts in Illinois also give priority 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. Those provisions that courts have seen to be unreasonable include those that last for an prolonged period of time or cover geographic areas around Oak Park that are unreasonably large.

Limitations on non-compete clauses must also be restricted to cover only competitors who are related in a rational way to the employer's industry. Finally, the covenant not to compete must have a legitimate business purpose which is behind the employer's motivation for requiring the agreement.

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

You may want to hire an Oak Park, Illinois lawyer to review the covenant before signing any agreements that may limit or restrict your rights. The lawyer will then be able to negotiate any modifications to the contract as needed, or they can even draft a new one should it be required by one or both parties. When it comes to suing an employee for breach of a non-compete clause, an attorney can give valuable advice. They will also be able to counsel employees who need advice for a covenant they have signed.

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Life in Oak Park

Oak Park, Illinois is a suburb of Chicago, located in Cook County. Its population, as of a 2003 Census estimate, is about 50,000 people.

Via the Chicago Loop, residents and visitors to Oak Park, Illinois, have very easy access to downtown Chicago, and all the amenities and economic opportunities that only one of the nation's largest cities can provide.

The history of Oak Park can be traced back to the 1830s, when a settler purchased about 170 acres of land outside Chicago. By 1850, the area was home to a railroad station, around which future growth would be based. Following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the population of what would become Oak Park began to boom, due to many residents relocating after losing their homes or businesses. Oak Park, Illinois was officially established as town in 1902.

Modernly, Oak Park is known for its many historic buildings, healthy economy, and excellent school system.

Because Oak Park, Illinois is such an attractive place to live for many people, it should be no surprise that plenty of lawyers have set up shop there. Oak Park, Illinois lawyers can handle just about any legal issue a resident of the area is likely to have. If you need any legal assistance, an Oak Park, Illinois lawyer is the first person you should call.

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