Noncompete Agreements – A Changing Political Landscape in Massachusetts
The Boston Globe recently reported on the 150-0 vote in the Massachusetts House of Representatives unanimously approving a measure that seeks to strictly limit noncompete agreements and consequently attract more startups and skilled tech workers to Massachusetts. New limitations will ensure that noncompete durations do not exceed one year and employers must provide “garden leave” (half pay for the duration of the noncompete period) or some other form of mutually agreed upon compensation.
At MRW we frequently help employees navigate the intricacies of restrictive noncompete clauses. With the Massachusetts laws potentially changing in the near future, it is now more important than ever to obtain an attorney’s advice regarding any noncompete language in your employment agreement. Vague language surrounding mutually agreed upon compensation can result in unintended professional and financial consequences that could have been addressed with the guidance of an expert employment attorney.