Non-Solicitation Agreement

The customer base is the most valuable asset that many businesses possess. Suddenly losing business from key customers can be devastating to any business, and it can take years to recover from such losses. Companies can also suffer when a senior employee moves on and takes valuable staff members with them.

Protecting business interests and employee rights

With these concerns in mind, many businesses include non-solicitation clauses in their employment agreements to ensure that their businesses do not suffer heavy customer or staff losses when an employee moves on to a new professional endeavor. While employers have a right to know that their business will remain viable after an employee leaves, employees also have a right to seek gainful work and to serve the customers who seek them out for their expertise in their field.

The Chicago employment lawyers at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle have helped businesses create Illinois non-solicitation agreements that protect businesses from abrupt losses. We have also represented employees by reviewing employment agreements which contain overly broad non-solicitation clauses or other restrictive agreements. Contact our seasoned Hoffman Estates employment law attorneys today to help you navigate the complex and evolving laws surrounding Illinois non-solicitation agreements.

Non-solicitation agreements in Illinois employment contracts

Companies often spend years of effort, as well as thousands of marketing dollars, on building a customer base and training skilled workers. Losing either customers or workers to a former employee can feel unfair and predatory. Illinois businesses are permitted by law to include non-solicitation clauses which can prevent employees from contacting the company’s customers, employees, or both when they part ways with that employer. While such clauses are legal, Illinois courts will require them to be no broader than necessary to protect the company’s legitimate business interests. Without careful drafting, these clauses may be deemed overly-broad on a worker’s right to remain in their chosen field of work after leaving the company and are at risk of being invalidated by a court.

Seasoned and effective Illinois employment law counsel

By seeking out knowledgeable, experienced, and detail-oriented legal counsel to help you develop these legal agreements with employees, you can ensure that your interests and the interests of your workers are protected when that worker moves on to a new opportunity. The Hoffman Estates and Des Plaines employment attorneys at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle have counseled numerous Chicago-area businesses in crafting non-solicitation agreements and can provide professional and effective representation for your business. Contact our offices today for a consultation on your organization’s employment contract needs.

Skilled and Knowledgeable Employment Lawyers in Des Plaines and Hoffman Estates

For assistance with a question relating to a non-solicitation agreement or other Illinois employment law issue, contact the effective and experienced Chicagoland employment attorneys at MacDonald, Lee & Senechalle LLC in Hoffman Estates at 847-310-0025, or in Des Plaines at 847-298-5030.