QUESTION
Signed a Forbearance & Release Agreement
Asked on Mar 03rd, 2014 on Employment Contracts - California
More details to this question:
I was let go from my job and had to sign these documents which says I can not work in the IT industry anymore or they will come after me. My only experience is this industry and have not worked for over a year and half. I need to go back to work and need to know what my options are with these letters signed.
1 ANSWER
Under California law (Business and Professions Code Section 16600 et seq), agreements which restrict a person's right to work in an industry are unenforceable except under limited circumstances, which don't appear to be present in your case. In fact, it can be considered an unfair trade practice for a firm to try and enforce such a restrictive covenant in court. You need to get advice from a California attorney and tell him/her all of the relevant circumstances, but I think it very likely that the non-compete is unenforceable.
Answered on Mar 04th, 2014 at 11:01 AM