Lauren Ellerman

Very smart people call our office all the time and say:“I read your blog. My contract is just like the one in that other case where the court held it to be unreasonable and invalid. So, is my contract invalid?”Short answer, no.Your contract is not unreasonable, invalid or not binding…

Friends.Romans.Employees.Lend me your ears.You do not have a right to privacy (for the most part) on your work computer. And your employer is getting advice like this from employment lawyers, telling them to read your emails:Delaware Employment Lawyers recommend employees “monitor” employee emails. “And, by “monitor,” I actually mean monitor—not…

So we have long had non-compete agreements.And non-solicitation agreements. And now we are beginning an age where possibly we need non-social media agreements?An Employment lawyer who represents Employers, John Phillips, writes the following advice to his clients on his blog The Word on Employment Law:For the future, employers should include…

Now, I know you think I am being an old hag. But seriously. Stop using your work computer for the following searches:Google – “How to leave my company and not breach my non-compete”Google – “How to poach clients”Google – “Is it illegal to poach clients”Google – “Virginia law on non-competes”Google…

I attended a seminar yesterday, put on by three very capable attorneys who represent businesses in employment issues. They advise small and large companies, like the one you work for, or used to work for, what to do when an employee leaves and there is rumor of competition, breach of…

Lets say your boss sells the business. Or, lets say he starts a new business and you become an employee of that.Is your original agreement, with the original company, still binding on you?We are asked this question often.Under Virginia law, the answer is – IT DEPENDS.Does your contract state it…

Read this – it is a great decision for those of us who fight against non-competition agreements.Texas Court Strikes Down Surgeons’ Non-Compete Covenant because “the covenant must provide for a buyout of the covenant by the physician at a reasonable price or, at the option of either party, as determined…

Please,1. Don’t search for our firm on your office computer using search terms like “how to get out of my non-compete.” This is happening.2. Don’t call or email our office from your work email or phone. Including cell phone. Don’t do this. Please.3. Don’t tell your colleagues you are leaving…