I am a non-compete lawyer.
What does that mean? I proudly represent individuals, not businesses, in the evaluation and analysis of non-competition (think non-solicitation, confidentiality, etc) employment agreements. There are those who think my job is to stir up trouble or harm small businesses; rather cartoonish, but popular culture often misses how attorneys help individuals transition to a new job or avoid conflict.
So let me introduce you to a few of our clients.
For example, consider a young couple who recently bought a home and they were fired without severance. Now, they cannot move. Worse, they cannot learn a different trade or career. It isn’t their fault – it’s just the economy. But their employer says they can’t work in our industry, in our area for two years. You must do something else.
Is that fair?
Does that protect small business owners?
Is that really the law in Virginia? Yes. It is at present the law here. And no, its not fair.
So I ask you again. What is a non-compete lawyer?
I think it is someone who fights for Virginia families. Working people who just wanted to work, serve, and keep a roof over their heads.