Losing or starting a new job comes with a whirlwind of paperwork, and one document that often causes confusion and fear is the non-compete agreement. Your employer may have asked you to sign one when you were hired. Or perhaps they’ve slipped one into a severance package as you leave. You may be wondering: Is this legal? Do I really have to sign it? And what happens if I don’t comply?
If you’re facing these questions, you’re not alone. At Bibiyan Law Group, our mission is to fight for California employees like you. With over $400 million recovered for workers across the state, including an $8,000,000 settlement in a class action for unpaid wages against an industrial packaging company, we’ve seen firsthand how employers misuse contracts to intimidate employees.
A non-compete agreement attorney in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights, challenge unlawful agreements, and make sure you’re not trapped by restrictions that California law simply does not allow.
What Is a Non-Compete Agreement?
A non-compete agreement is a clause in a contract that limits your ability to work for a competitor or start a similar business after leaving your employer. Employers often claim these agreements are necessary to protect trade secrets, clients, or confidential information.
On paper, it might sound reasonable. But here’s the reality: California law overwhelmingly favors employees, not employers, when it comes to non-compete clauses. In most cases, these agreements are unenforceable in California. Unfortunately, many employers still include them in contracts, banking on the fact that employees won’t know their rights.
Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in California?
The short answer: Almost always, no.
California has some of the strongest protections for workers in the country. Under California Business and Professions Code Section 16600, any contract that restrains someone from engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business is void. That means your employer generally cannot stop you from working for a competitor or starting your own business after you leave.
There are only a few narrow exceptions, usually related to:
- The sale of a business (when an owner sells their company and agrees not to compete).
- The dissolution of a partnership.
- The breakup of an LLC.
Unless your situation falls into one of these rare categories, your non-compete agreement is likely not enforceable in California. Still, some employers will try to scare you into believing otherwise. That’s why consulting a non-compete agreement attorney in Los Angeles is so important.
Why Employers Still Use Non-Compete Agreements
If non-competes are unenforceable, why do employers continue to use them? The answer is simple: intimidation.
- Employers recognize that most employees lack a legal background.
- They assume you won’t push back against something written in a formal contract.
- They want to discourage you from leaving for a competitor or starting your own business.
Even though these agreements often wouldn’t hold up in court, they still succeed in silencing employees and limiting their career opportunities. That’s not just unfair, it’s unlawful. And it’s exactly the type of abuse Bibiyan Law Group was founded to fight against.
How a Non-Compete Agreement Attorney in Los Angeles Can Help
If you’ve been asked to sign a non-compete, or if your employer is trying to enforce one against you, you don’t have to face it alone. A lawyer can help you:
- Review the agreement in detail: We’ll explain the terms in plain English and ensure you understand the meaning of each provision. Our goal is to identify any factors that could potentially harm your career or limit future opportunities.
- Challenge unenforceable clauses: In California, most non-competes simply don’t hold up in court. We’ll push back on your behalf and work to eliminate invalid restrictions.
- Negotiate fairer terms: If your employer insists on restrictions, we can negotiate adjustments that mitigate the harm caused by the agreement. We may also seek additional compensation to offset the impact of those limits.
- Protect you from retaliation: Employers sometimes retaliate when employees push back against non-compete terms. We’ll stand by you and fight to safeguard your rights throughout the process.
- Take legal action if necessary: If your employer tries to block you from working or threatens your future opportunities, we’ll be ready to take your case to court. Our team will pursue every legal option to defend your career.
Our proven results, such as the $8,000,000 recovery for employees in a class action case, demonstrate that we don’t just fight back; we win.
Why California Employees Have Leverage
Here’s some good news: California law is on your side. Courts in California consistently strike down non-compete agreements, and the state legislature has only strengthened protections for workers in recent years.
This gives you powerful leverage. If your employer tries to enforce a non-compete, you may not only get it thrown out, but also pursue damages if their actions harmed your career. Employers know this, but they count on you not knowing it. That’s where an experienced Los Angeles employment lawyer makes all the difference.
Why Choose Bibiyan Law Group
When you’re searching for a non-compete agreement attorney in Los Angeles, you want more than legal advice; you want results.
Here’s why workers across California trust us:
- Over $400 million recovered for employees.
- Multi-million-dollar case victories, including an $8,000,000 class action settlement.
- Exclusive focus on employment law.
- Free consultations to help you understand your options.
- A client-centered approach that keeps you informed at every step.
At Bibiyan Law Group, we’re not intimidated by powerful corporations or their legal teams. Our results prove it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are non-compete agreements legal in Los Angeles?
In most cases, no. California law strongly protects employees, and non-compete agreements are generally unenforceable under state law. However, some employers include them anyway, hoping workers won’t realize they have the right to push back.
2. What if I already signed a non-compete agreement?
Even if you signed, that doesn’t mean your employer can enforce it. An attorney can carefully review the agreement and explain whether its terms are valid in California. In most cases, you still have the right to work for a competitor or even start your own business.
3. Can my employer retaliate if I refuse to sign a non-compete?
Employers sometimes try to pressure workers into signing restrictive contracts, which can feel intimidating. Retaliation, such as demotion, reduced hours, or termination, may be illegal under California employment laws. If this happens, you may have a valid retaliation claim in addition to challenging the non-compete itself.
Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Career
Don’t let an unenforceable contract limit your future. At Bibiyan Law Group, we’ve built our reputation on holding employers accountable and achieving significant results, such as our $8,000,000 recovery for workers in a class action case.
If you’ve been asked to sign a non-compete agreement, or if your employer is trying to enforce one against you, we’re here to help. Call us today at (310) 438-5555 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation.
Your career, your future, and your rights deserve nothing less.