Shreveport Non-Compete Lawyer

Non-Compete Attorney in Shreveport

Whether you’re a business owner seeking to create or enforce a non-compete agreement or an employee faced with a non-compete dispute or concern, it is highly recommended that you consult a legal professional. When you speak with a Shreveport non-compete lawyer, you can feel more confident about your career prospects and protecting your interests.

Understanding Non-Compete Laws in LA

When a business hires an employee, they do not intend for that employee to become a potential competitor or later use the business’s proprietary information at a competing enterprise. Preventing either of these scenarios is the basis of non-compete agreements. The purpose of a non-compete is to restrict an employee who quit or was terminated from becoming or working for a direct competitor or using that business’s trade secrets for up to two years afterward.

However, while non-compete contracts can be enforceable, the agreement must be drafted very carefully because Louisiana courts tend not to favor non-competes. Non-compete contracts are often disfavored because it is believed that Louisiana laws cannot or should not prevent an individual from participating in a lawful profession, trade, or business.

For a non-compete agreement to be legally enforceable, it can only restrict an employee from carrying on as or engaging in a business that is similar to the original employer or from soliciting customers or clients of the original employer. Additionally, the following conditions must be met within the non-compete contract:

• The inclusion of an expressly identified territory consisting of a list of parishes or municipalities wherein the employer operates
• Specification of how long the restriction is in effect, up to a period of two years from the date of termination of employment

In 2023, there were approximately 464,681 small businesses throughout the state of Louisiana, accounting for 99.5 percent of the state’s businesses. About 898,863 state residents were small business employees.

Hire a Non-Compete Lawyer in Shreveport

When you work in a competitive business or industry, you should hire a non-compete lawyer to protect your interests. When it comes to non-compete agreements, specificity and precision matter.

A qualified business lawyer can help you create an enforceable non-compete for your enterprise. If you are an employee facing accusations of breaching a non-compete contract or wondering whether you could face a legal dispute, a business attorney can verify whether you have anything to worry about. When you are in search of a capable Shreveport non-compete attorney, look no further than Ezell Law Firm, LLC.

At Ezell Law Firm, LLC, we understand that every legal issue is nuanced and comes with its own unique challenges. When it comes to your business and investments, you should work with an experienced law professional who understands how to advocate on behalf of your interests effectively. With extensive practical experience in business law and contract disputes, we are qualified to oversee your non-compete needs or issues.

Where Are Non-Compete Issues Handled?

Non-compete cases in Shreveport typically go through the First Judicial District Court for Caddo Parish. This courthouse is located at 501 Texas Street, Shreveport, LA 71101. Federal cases, such as those involving parties from other states or federal law, may instead be processed by the US District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. This is located at 300 Fannin Street, Shreveport, LA 71101.

Depending on the details of your business or previous employer, the courthouse or agency that oversees your non-compete case can vary. Be sure to confirm with your attorney the addresses of any locations you should expect to interact with over the course of your case.

FAQs

What Is the Point of a Non-Compete Agreement in LA?

In Louisiana, the point of a non-compete agreement is to protect a business from employees leaving and becoming a direct competitor. Non-competes are appealing to businesses because they do not want to withhold information from workers.

In the event an employee quits or is terminated, a strong non-compete agreement prevents that worker from soliciting the business’s customers or engaging in a competing enterprise in the same region where the business operates. Non-competes can only last up to two years.

Is Breaching a Non-Compete Contract Illegal in LA?

In the state of Louisiana, breaching a non-compete contract is not illegal in the sense that you have broken a criminal law. While an employee may face legal action if a business claims a breach of contract has occurred, the worker would not face criminal charges.

If a non-compete contract is legally valid and enforceable, an employee who is proven to have breached that agreement can be ordered to cease competing business activities or even pay compensatory damages.

How Long Does a Non-Compete Dispute Take in LA?

In Louisiana, it’s difficult to estimate how long a non-compete legal dispute may take since each case is different. On average, a non-compete dispute may take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer to fully resolve. The timeline of a non-compete dispute depends on whether a breach of contract is proven, if the business wants a final resolution, and other details. You can ask your business lawyer how long your particular case may take.

How Can I Create a Strong Non-Compete in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, to create a strong non-compete agreement, the contract should include terms that:

• Restrict the former employee from carrying on or engaging in an enterprise similar to yours.
• Specify a list of parishes where competition is prohibited.
• Only restrict competition for a period of two years.
• States what actions or activities the former employee is prohibited from doing.
• Outline a “savings clause,” preventing the entire agreement from being void if one part is unenforceable.

Non-Compete Contract Representation in Shreveport

At Ezell Law Firm, LLC, we believe in putting in the necessary work and seeing a problem through to the end. Whether you are a business owner trying to create a strong non-compete agreement, enforcing a previous non-compete, or you’re an employee facing breach of contract claims, we are ready to represent you. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation with a qualified and skilled non-compete lawyer.