I love “to do” lists. They make seemingly difficult and impossible tasks more manageable.
Here is my “to do” list for Virginia employees who (a) have an employment contract or non-compete and (b) want to explore or accept a job with another company in their industry. BEFORE YOU APPLY FOR that other job (sorry I had to use CAPS so you would appreciate the nuance of the timing here):
1. Get a copy of your employment contract.
2. Read the contract.
3. Hire an attorney to read the contract.
4. Learn what you can and cannot do under the contract.
Wait a minute, that is a pretty short list, isn’t it? You took the time to ask Google your question about non-competes and some lawyer blog gives you the advice to call a lawyer? Yes, and here is why.
Your contract is different than every other contract we have reviewed this month.
Your obligations under the law are different and unique. So I couldn’t possibly provide advice that applies to ALL Virginians except that these contracts are OFTEN upheld, and often enforceable. So it is better to know what your rights and obligations are, rather than find out how to respond to a breach of contract lawsuit.
If you need help with a non-compete contract in Virginia, give us a call. We would be glad to help you transition to new employment.