Quick Facts — Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

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:

  1. Being overly broad in scope, duration or geographic area.
  2. Imposing undue hardship on the employee.
  3. Prohibiting competition with a former employer in a field unrelated to the employer's business.
  4. Unfairly limiting the employee's ability to make a living.
  5. 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

How do I hire a lawyer to draft a noncompete agreement in Alabama?

See Noncompete Agreement by State

See Real Non-Compete Agreement Projects

Florida NDA and NCA Review
  • Florida
  • 7 lawyer bids
  • $225 - $500
View Details
Utah Non-compete analysis Review
  • Utah
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $495 - $1,850
View Details
California Non-Compete agreement Review
  • California
  • 5 lawyer bids
  • $350 - $400
View Details
Nevada I have two non competes that needs review, one on rollover shares and as a retired officer Review
  • Nevada
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $400 - $500
View Details
Florida Review Noncompete Agreement Review
  • Florida
  • 8 lawyer bids
  • $240 - $700
View Details
California Review non-compete clauses for Blockchain Startup Offer Letter Review
  • California
  • 6 lawyer bids
  • $150 - $400
View Details

See all Non-Compete Agreement projects in Alabama


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a Noncompete Agreement?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 21,848 reviews

Meet some of our Alabama Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

David B. on ContractsCounsel
View David
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
April 1, 2021

David B.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Trussville, Alabama
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AL
Birmingham School of Law

A twenty-five year attorney and certified mediator native to the Birmingham, Alabama area.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"David was able to meet my turnaround time and still do a thorough job and provide great feedback on my document."

Lolitha M. on ContractsCounsel
View Lolitha
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
October 27, 2021

Lolitha M.

Managing Prinicipal
Free Consultation
Homewood, IL
5 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AL MO
University of Illinois at Chicago Law School

Small firm offering business consultation and contract review services.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Did great. She was responsive even after hours, will use again!!!"

Nicholas V. on ContractsCounsel
View Nicholas
5.0 (12)
Member Since:
February 28, 2022

Nicholas V.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Denver, CO
8 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AL CO, NY, TX
Texas A&M University School of Law

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.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Nicholas was great! Highly recommend and I will be using his services again."

John H. on ContractsCounsel
View John
Member Since:
November 11, 2020

John H.

Attorney-at-Law
Free Consultation
Mobile, AL
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AL
Thomas Goode Jones School of Law

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.

james a. on ContractsCounsel
View james
Member Since:
December 5, 2021

james a.

Attorney at Law
Free Consultation
Birmingham, AL
9 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AL
Birmingham School of Law

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. on ContractsCounsel
View Leah
Member Since:
January 18, 2022

Leah C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Alabama
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AL
Birmingham School of Law

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.

Stephanie C. on ContractsCounsel
View Stephanie
Member Since:
March 8, 2022

Stephanie C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Niceville, FL
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in AL MO
Southern University Law Center

Alabama & Missouri Licensed Attorney offering Freelance Services for Wills, Trusts, Probate, Family Law Documents, Criminal Matters, and Real Estate Closings.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Lawyer Reviews for Alabama Noncompete Agreement Projects

Review Noncompete Agreement

5.0

"Absolutely incredible person super responsive and willing to help me navigate through a challenging situation. Allen is top notch, professional, and comprehensive."

Reply From Allen L.

View More
Delaware
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Review Employment Contract Non-Compete Clause for Chiropractor

5.0

"I’m very grateful for [Attorney Name]’s guidance in reviewing my contract. They were responsive, knowledgeable, and made a potentially stressful situation feel manageable."

Florida
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Review Existing Non-Compete Agreement Focused on Competitor Clause

4.7

"Zack is great 👍"

Nevada
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Employment Non-Compete Review

5.0

"Prompt and thorough review with real world advice. Thank you."

California
Urgent
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Review Non-Solicitation Clause and Draft Preventative Letter in NYC

5.0

"Zack was a pleasure to work with. He was thorough, responsive, and provided clear, practical guidance for my situation."

New York
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Employee Rights

Noncompete Agreement

California

Asked on Sep 12, 2022

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.

Answered Sep 13, 2022

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Business Contracts

Noncompete Agreement

California

Asked on May 21, 2023

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.

Answered May 30, 2023

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Contracts

Noncompete Agreement

Florida

Asked on Jul 30, 2023

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.

Answered Sep 1, 2023

To be able to answer this question, I would need to see the agreements. No one can answer your question without seeing the agreements.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Connecticut

Asked on Aug 1, 2023

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.

Answered Aug 4, 2023

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employee Rights

Noncompete Agreement

Georgia

Asked on Jul 4, 2023

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.

Answered Aug 4, 2023

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

Read 1 attorney answer>
See more legal questions…

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Noncompete Agreement?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 21,848 reviews
Employment lawyers by top cities
See All Alabama Employment Lawyers
Alabama Noncompete Agreement lawyers by city
See All Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
NDA and NCA
Location: Florida
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Non-Compete Agreement
Page Count: 3
Number of Bids: 7
Bid Range: $225 - $500
User Feedback:
Forrest was able to accommodate my schedule, was professional and congenital. Would definitely use him again.

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
Employment non compete question session
Location: California
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Non-Compete Agreement
Number of Bids: 6
Bid Range: $249 - $500
User Feedback:
Michael was there to answer all my questions, and some I may have in the future.

Need help with a Noncompete Agreement?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 21,848 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city