Enforcing Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements

The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley provides businesses and employers with counseling and guidance on the drafting and enforcement of non-compete, non-solicitation and trade secret agreements.  Under the appropriate circumstances, these agreements can help businesses protect confidential information, customer contacts, and customer goodwill. 

Representing Missouri Companies in Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Disputes

Employers in Missouri often require employees to sign non-compete or non-solicitation agreements if they have regular contact with the company's customers or knowledge of the company's confidential information.  These agreements prevent the employee from later competing with the company or using trade secret information obtained during employment to the company's detriment.  In Missouri courts, information is considered a trade secret when it 1) is special or confidential, 2) is known inside the company but generally not outside, and 3) creates a competitive advantage. 

Legal Counsel for Employers Seeking to Enforce Non-Compete Agreements

Attorney Kevin J. Dolley counsels businesses in evaluating enforcement options when an employee violates a non-compete agreement.  For employers seeking immediate action, Mr. Dolley provides aggressive representation to acquire immediate injunctive relief.  Proper representation can both stop violations and compensate employers for their losses from the breach, including damages for lost profits, lost customers and attorney's fees.  Attorney Kevin J. Dolley has extensive experience in taking prompt legal action to end non-compete violations to prevent the continuing loss of revenues, intellectual property, and confidential information.  Immediate relief generally comes in the form of a temporary restraining order (TRO) and later, a permanent injunction.

Drafting Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements

The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley regularly counsels employers on Missouri non-compete law and their rights under Missouri trade secret law.  Attorney Kevin J. Dolley works with company owners and management to define their goals in requiring an employee to sign a non-compete or non-solicitation agreement. The Law Offices of Kevin J. Dolley regularly drafts and reviews non-compete and related employment agreements.  Mr. Dolley counsels employers on avoiding the use of unreasonable or unenforceable agreements.  Employers commonly desire to impose significant limitations upon employees who leave the company.  While such language may appear to be in the company's best interest, unreasonable agreements are frequently ruled unenforceable by Missouri courts.  Mr. Dolley works with employers to determine the language needed to maximize protection of the business while ensuring the restrictions' enforceability in court.

Mr. Dolley works with company owners and management to define the business' goals and reasons for using non-compete and non-solicitation agreements.  He then helps businesses acheive those goals through proper drafting.  Because non-compete law in Missouri is continually changing, Mr. Dolley counsels employers on how to update non-compete agreements so as to be in accordance with the law.  Employers may seek the services of The Law Offices of Kevin Dolley to handle a pressing situation with a current employee who has access to highly sensitive information.  Equally likely, however, is that employers want to take preemptive action for their general protection and draft an agreement for all employees to sign. 

Representation for Companies with Missouri Trade Secret and Non-compete Disputes

Attorney Kevin J. Dolley has experience successfully defending employers in non-compete, non-solicitation and related disputes.  If a company's non-compete agreement is challenged in court, Attorney Kevin J. Dolley works with employers to detail the legitimate business reasons for the non-compete or non-solicitation agreement.  A proper understanding of Missouri non-compete law is required to explain why the terms of the agreement are fair and reasonable in regards to their time and scope. 

Contact Experienced Legal Counsel

If you are an employer seeking to develop or enforce a non-compete agreement, please contact Attorney Kevin J. Dolley directly at (314) 645-4100 or by email kevin@dolleylaw.com.