Connecticut Noncompetition Agreements Lawyers

We Draft, Negotiate, and Litigate Non-Competes in Connecticut

Noncompetition and Nonsolicitation Agreements: Most executives and employees are familiar with covenants not to compete, nonsolicitation and confidentiality, and their broad reach and control. Obtaining an understanding of a non-compete agreement, and other restrictive agreements is critical and essential. These agreements can have an adverse impact on the executive’s and employee’s ability to earn a living post-employment with the previous employer.

At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Connecticut non-compete agreement attorneys represent clients with skill, diligence, and attention to detail. We are solutions-focused. Our team drafts, reviews, negotiates, and litigations non-competition agreements. If you have any questions or concerns about non-competes, we are here as a legal resource. Contact our Connecticut employment attorneys today for a fully confidential, no obligation initial consultation. 

What is a Non-Compete?

A non-compete is a contract (or contract clause) that limits a worker’s ability to engage in business activities that compete with their current or former employer. Employers use non-competes for a wide range of different reasons, including to protect proprietary information and maintain a competitive edge. These agreements can be enforceable in Connecticut if properly drafted. 

You need to fully understand a non-compete before you sign it. Failure to obtain a clear and concise understanding of these restrictive agreements can result in an extreme financial hardship, i.e. preemption of a lucrative employment contract or employment following the departure from the previous employer.

Note: Not all employers enforce restrictive covenant agreements. There are several reasons, first, it is too costly to enforce. But when company revenue hangs in the balance, these covenants have been used to prevent further economic damage.

Why Sign a Restrictive Covenant (Non Compete)?

Restrictive covenant agreements generally provide that the employee cannot solicit, acquire, or individually use any confidential company information for a period of years (1 to 3 years being enforced as reasonable), within a specific geographic scope and without restricting an ex-employee’s ability to earn a living. It is the latter element that usually sways the balance of equity in these cases. Special attention must be given to the state laws in the jurisdiction of the agreements. Some states are more flexible in their approach to enforcing these restrictive covenants. Other states take a conservative approach that is more protective of business interests. In a few states like California, state statutes prohibit the use of restrictive agreements as a matter of public policy. In any case, courts must balance the equitable and pecuniary interests of both parties.

An Overview of Connecticut Law on Non-Compete Agreements (2025 Update)

Non-competes are currently lawful in Connecticut. A non-compete agreement is legally valid as long as it is consistent with the requirements of state law. Employers must provide the agreement in writing. The best practice is for employers to give an employee at least ten business days before requiring a signature. Further, the general rule that non-compete must be sufficiently narrow in order to be valid. Courts in Connecticut will consider several factors, including:  

• The duration of the non-compete restriction; 
• The geographic scope of the non-compete agreement; 
• The overall fairness to the employee; and 
• The necessity to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests. 

There is an active effort to dramatically restrict the use of them in the state. The Connecticut General Assembly passed House Bill 7196 (An Act Concerning Limitations on the Use of Noncompete Agreements.” The proposed bill defines a “covenant not to compete” as a post employment restriction or penalty on a worker’s ability to engage in a lawful occupation. It would generally prohibit non-competes under state law unless very narrowly tailored. 

Note: In 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) moved to effectively ban non-compete agreements nationwide. However, a lawsuit was filed to block the regulation. Further, the Trump Administration has abandoned the proposed rule. 

We Draft, Negotiate, Review, and Litigate Non-Compete Agreements in Connecticut

As a leading employment practice is Connecticut that is committed to solving problems for clients, we have extensive experience with all aspects of non-compete agreements. Our Connecticut employment lawyers offer comprehensive counsel for employers and employees dealing with non-compete agreements. We draft agreements that are tailored to specific business needs while satisfying the state’s multi-factor reasonableness test. 

For employees in Connecticut, we conduct thorough reviews to identify potential overreach in time, geography, or scope, and we provide clear advice on your rights before signing. Our negotiation strategies focus on achieving practical solutions. Among other things, that may include modifying restrictions to be less cumbersome, limiting your post-employment obligations, and/or securing additional financial compensation in exchange for the limitations that are imposed. 

Should a conflict arise over a non-compete agreement, our Connecticut employment lawyers are more than ready to help. We litigate aggressively and proactively. That could mean enforcing the valid and legitimate terms of a lawful, properly-drafted non-compete agreement or it could mean defending against an overly restrictive agreement that unfairly undermines your ability to work. We have the professional experience that you can trust when it matters the most. 

Why Trust Our Connecticut Employment Attorneys

Non-compete agreements in Connecticut must be properly drafted. If you have any questions about a non-compete, our team can help you determine the best course of action. Mark Carey is a Connecticut employment lawyer with nearly 30 years of experience and a strong reputation, including many client testimonials. When you reach out to our legal office, you will have an opportunity to consult with our Connecticut employment law attorneys who can: 

• Listen to what you have to say, answer questions about your case, and explain your rights; 
• Thoroughly gather and organize all supporting documents and records; 
• Advocate for you in any negotiations over a non-compete contract; 
• Carefully review a proposed/existing non-compete agreement; and
• Take action to best protect your rights and your interests. 

Contact Our Connecticut Non-Compete Agreements Lawyers Today

At Carey & Associates, P.C., our Connecticut employment attorneys is prepared to help you with the full range of non-compete agreement cases. If your new employer is requiring you to sign a non-compete, non-solicitation, or confidentiality agreement, contact our employment lawyers today at (914) 705-5427 or contact us online to set up your fully confidential consultation. We provide employment law representation throughout Connecticut.