Alabama Noncompete Agreement: What's Included and Enforceability
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Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in Alabama?
In Alabama non-compete agreements can be enforceable, but under state laws that went into effect in January of 2016, these restrictive covenants cannot prevent anyone from exercising a “lawful profession, trade, or business”.
To be enforceable, Alabama courts have determined that non-compete agreements must be reasonable in scope and duration and cannot impose undue hardship on the employee. The agreement must be related to the employer's legitimate business interests, such as protecting trade secrets or customer relationships.
How Long Does an Alabama Non-Compete Agreement Last?
Under Alabama law, the maximum duration for a non-compete agreement cannot exceed two years. That means, that after an employee leaves a company, they can only be bound by the terms of the non-compete agreement for up to two years.
How Do You Get Around a Non-Compete Agreement in Alabama?
Non-compete agreements can be overcome in the following ways:
- Prove there is no legitimate business interest to enforce the non-compete.
- Prove the contract duration is an unreasonable amount of time.
- Prove that the non-compete agreement goes against public health or safety.
In Alabama, state laws permit a practice called “ blue penciling ”. This allows courts to modify non-compete agreements that are overly broad or unreasonable. If you can’t get around a non-compete agreement, you may be able to convince a court to modify the contract to protect your interests.
What Voids an Alabama Non-Compete Agreement?
Some factors that may make a non-compete agreement void in Alabama include:
- Being overly broad in scope, duration or geographic area.
- Imposing undue hardship on the employee.
- Prohibiting competition with a former employer in a field unrelated to the employer's business.
- Unfairly limiting the employee's ability to make a living.
- The agreement is not supported by consideration.
A non-compete agreement will also be deemed void if it is not in writing and not signed by both parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
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David B.
A twenty-five year attorney and certified mediator native to the Birmingham, Alabama area.
"David was able to meet my turnaround time and still do a thorough job and provide great feedback on my document."
Lolitha M.
Small firm offering business consultation and contract review services.
"Did great. She was responsive even after hours, will use again!!!"
Nicholas V.
I am a solo practitioner, and manager of the Law Office of Nicholas J. Vail, PLLC, with offices in Denver, Colorado and Austin, Texas with a focus on general business and real estate contracts.
"Nicholas was great! Highly recommend and I will be using his services again."
John H.
John Daniel "J.D." Hawke is an experienced attorney with a law practice in Mobile, Alabama. He was born in Fairhope, Alabama and after earning his undergraduate degree at Auburn University, he received a law degree from Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in 2010. After law school, he formed the Law Office of J.D. Hawke LLC and over the last decade he has fought incredibly hard for each and everyone of his clients. His practice focuses on representing people facing criminal charges and clients dealing with family law matters. In addition to criminal defense and domestic relations cases, he also regularly handles contract disputes, personal injury cases, small business issues, landlord/tenant disputes, document drafting, and estate planning. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Alabama and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama.
December 5, 2021
james a.
Mr. Allen is a seasoned trial and appellate attorney known for his precision, clarity, and results-driven legal writing. With experience handling everything from personal injury to family and criminal law — including service as an assistant public defender — he brings practical insight to every document he drafts. His passion for legal research and writing drives his work on persuasive, court-ready materials, including demand letters, service agreements, and independent contractor contracts. Mr. Allen understands the real-world impact of legal documents and balances legal strength with practical usability. Based in Alabama and licensed to practice law, he brings both legal insight and real-world judgment to every project he takes on.
Leah C.
I am an attorney licensed in Alabama and have been in solo practice for 7 years. I have experience in Contracts drafting and review, Litigation and Immigration practice areas. I am available for new projects.
March 8, 2022
Stephanie C.
Alabama & Missouri Licensed Attorney offering Freelance Services for Wills, Trusts, Probate, Family Law Documents, Criminal Matters, and Real Estate Closings.
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Employee Rights
Noncompete Agreement
California
i work for a employer from illinois ,however i am in california. My contract has non compete clause. will that be enforceable
My employer has placed me in a position thru another vendor. My employer contract with that vendor is ending. So vendor contacted me. However I am in contract with my employer for 1 year contract.
Christopher M.
Short answer: Probably no, non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are not usually enforceable on an employee in California. Long Answer: Regardless of the choice of law provision in your contract, if an enforcement action is brought against you in California, the California courts will dismiss it as it goes against the "public policy of the state" unless your employer can make a really compelling case. Most states respect the stated public policy of other states when deciding matters against their citizens, so even if the case was brought in another states courts your soon to be former employer would probably be powerless to get a judgement enforcing your non-compete.
Business Contracts
Noncompete Agreement
California
Noncompete agreement time restrictions?
I am an entrepreneur who recently signed a Noncompete Agreement with a potential business partner, and I am looking to gain a better understanding of the time restrictions that are in place. I am concerned that the terms of the agreement may prevent me from pursuing other opportunities in the future and want to make sure I am aware of all the restrictions before making any decisions.
Gagandeep K.
The non-compete agreement will likely specify the non-compete period/time restriction. If that is not obviously stated, you should consider having an attorney review the non-compete agreement. Typically, a non-compete agreement in a partnership or LLC places a geographic limitation for a certain time period such that the partner/member is prevented from carrying-on a similar business in a geographic area where the partnership/LLC has done and continues to do business. You can read more about non-compete agreements in California here: https://www.contractscounsel.com/t/us/noncompete-agreement/california.
Contracts
Noncompete Agreement
Florida
Noncompete agreement and severance packages?
I recently left my job of 5 years, where I had signed a non-compete agreement. I am now negotiating a severance package with my former employer and am unsure of what my rights and obligations are regarding the non-compete agreement. I am seeking clarification on how the non-compete agreement should be handled in relation to the terms of my severance package.
Diane D.
To be able to answer this question, I would need to see the agreements. No one can answer your question without seeing the agreements.
Employment
Noncompete Agreement
Connecticut
Noncompete agreement and change of control?
I recently accepted a new position with a company that has requested that I sign a noncompete agreement. I understand the agreement and the limitations it puts on me, but I am concerned about how the agreement would be affected if the company is sold or changes ownership in the future. I would like to understand my legal rights in the event of a change of control.
Thomas L.
If the future company buys the equity of your current employer, the Non-Compete continues in effect. If the future company buys the assets, the Non-Compete is terminated. I would request a sentence be added to the effect that "if there is a change of control of the Company (meaning more than 50% of the equity interest or 50% of the voting equity control) is sold or transferred, then this Non-Compete Agreement is terminated.
Employee Rights
Noncompete Agreement
Georgia
How does a noncompete agreement work?
I am an employee at a small business and I have recently been asked to sign a noncompete agreement. I am not sure how these agreements work and what rights I have as an employee. I am also concerned about the restrictions that could be placed on me if I sign the agreement. I want to make sure I understand the implications of signing the agreement before I do so.
Nancy B.
In its simplest terms, a noncompete agreement in an employment context is an agreement that says you will not compete with your former employer if you ever stop working for them. It typically forbids things like: + Working for a competitor + Starting a company that sells the same services/products as your employer + Recruiting employees from your current employer after you have left that employment. One thought is that this could be requested shortly before letting an employee go just to protect the company from competition but I hope that is not the case here as it seems like an unfair use of the noncompete agreement ability in Georgia. The issues are usually the geographical scope (for example within 15 miles of Dalton, Georgia), the time period (one or two years is usually sufficient and courts do not favor long noncompete agreements), and the consideration (such as a new job - which is not applicable in your case, or more compensation). Regards, Nancy A. Burnett
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