District of Columbia Noncompete Agreement: What's Included and Enforceability
Quick Facts — Noncompete Agreement Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft a Non-Compete Agreement: $550.00
- Avg cost to review a Non-Compete Agreement: $360.00
- Lawyers available: 243 employment lawyers
- Clients helped: 349 recent noncompete agreement projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 4.98 (91 reviews)
Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in the District of Columbia?
In Washington DC, non-compete agreements are heavily restricted and are only enforced under certain circumstances for certain employees. The Non-Compete Clarification Amendment Act of 2022 lays out which employees are covered and what type of activity can be restricted.
The amended act completely bans non-compete agreements for “covered employees”. A covered employee meets the following criteria:
- Not a highly compensated
- Spends more than 50% of their work time in DC
- The employment for the employer is based in DC
Non-competes are enforceable for the following employees:
- Highly compensated employees ($150,000 or more annual salary)
- Casual babysitters
- Partners in a partnership
- DC and federal government employees
Even if a non-compete agreement can be legally implemented, it still needs to meet certain requirements to be enforceable. The agreement must be reasonable and protect a legitimate business interest.
How Long Does a District of Columbia Non-Compete Agreement Last?
Enforceable non-compete agreements, like those executed when selling a business, generally last for two years. Contracts that have a duration of more than two years may be ruled unreasonable by the courts.
How Do You Get Around a Non-Compete Agreement in the District of Columbia?
Non-compete agreements in the District of Columbia are heavily restricted so it is not difficult to get around this agreement. One way is to become a covered employee either by salary or percentage of time working in DC. Non-compete agreements are completely banned for covered employees.
Another way to get around a non-compete agreement is to prove that the agreement is unreasonable or does not cover a legitimate business interest.
What Voids a Non-Compete Agreement in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, any non-compete agreement entered into after the amended act was passed on October 1, 2022 that violates the amended act will be void and unenforceable.
Frequently Asked Questions
See Noncompete Agreement by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
See Real Non-Compete Agreement Projects
Massachusetts Non-Compete Clause in Employment (1099) contract Review
- Massachusetts
- 5 lawyer bids
- $250 - $795
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
Florida Review Employment Contract Non-Compete Clause for Chiropractor Review
- Florida
- 4 lawyer bids
- $150 - $399
See all Non-Compete Agreement projects in District of Columbia
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?
Meet some of our District of Columbia Noncompete Agreement Lawyers
Alton H.
I am a U.S.-licensed attorney with more than a decade of experience in complex litigation and intellectual property matters. I have practiced at leading Am Law firms including Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Arent Fox, and Sughrue Mion, and I currently operate my own law practice. I have extensive experience handling high-stakes patent litigation, drafting pleadings and briefs, managing large-scale discovery, preparing and defending depositions, and appearing before federal courts and administrative bodies such as the PTAB and ITC. I hold a J.D., cum laude, from The George Washington University Law School and advanced technical degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering, which allow me to efficiently handle technically complex matters. I am admitted in multiple jurisdictions, including New York, Virginia, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia, and I regularly provide high-quality remote legal support to clients nationwide.
"Straight to the point and critical. Clearly has a lot of experience with prenuptial agreements. Highly recommended."
Jehan C.
Experience business, estate and intellectual property attorney ready to serve entrepreneurs and creatives in all 50 state and those that have wills and estate planning needs in the District of Columbia.
"Jehan was responsive, spent time understanding the issue and provided a solution. Thank you."
May 10, 2025
Chloe S.
Chloe was born in Texas and graduated from the University of Houston, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. Following undergrad Chloe relocated to the D.C. area where she worked as a special education teacher before attending law school at Howard University School of Law where she received her J.D. and Georgetown Law Center where she received an L.L.M. in taxation.
July 8, 2025
Parsa G.
I’m a licensed attorney with a J.D. and a strong background in reviewing, negotiating, and drafting a wide range of commercial agreements, especially in the context of international trade and cross-border transactions. I’ve reviewed hundreds of sales contracts, and have experience drafting and negotiating international sale of goods agreements, distribution agreements, supplier/manufacturer contracts, licensing agreements, and service-level agreements (SLAs). My focus is on helping clients reduce risk and protect their interests through clear, enforceable contract language. I also advise on key international elements like Incoterms, dispute resolution mechanisms (including ICC arbitration), payment structuring, governing law, and IP protections. Whether you need a custom agreement, a contract review with redlines, or support structuring a cross-border deal, I bring both precision and practicality to every engagement.
August 23, 2025
Alexander C.
I am a solo practitioner that runs my own legal practice. I am currently licensed in 16 states and I'm working to expand that reach.
Sean D.
After 15+ years at leading firms in Silicon Valley, Boston, and DC, I started Supernova Law to partner with the clients who inspire me most—start-ups, mission-driven companies, B-Corps, and non-profits. My goal is simple: provide accessible, affordable, high-quality legal support to innovators creating positive change for our society. At Supernova Law, your vision and values come first.
Don M.
AI and crypto-savvy Attorney with 20+ years’ experience advising companies in I.T., software, telecommunications, FinTech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with 9+ yrs spent in GC roles. Barred in 3 states (Calif. New York & Wash. D.C.) plus the U.S. Supreme Court. Registered Patent Attorney (USPTO). Extremely versatile, with subject matter expertise in a variety of legal topics highly useful for tech and startup companies, including IP, privacy, financial / banking laws (Regulation E, UDAAP, ID Theft Red Flags Rule, etc.), AML, KYC, export controls, litigation/ADR, cryptocurrency regulations and the rules governing the use of A.I. Deep understanding of computer technology via Master’s in Comp. Info. Systems (MSCIS). Also pre-law business experience. Certifications: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS); Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US); Certified HIPAA Professional. Education: Law degree (JD): UCLA, 2003. MSCIS: Boston Univ., 2011.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for District of Columbia Noncompete Agreement Projects
NDA Review / Possibly accepting a job at a competitor
"Zachary was very responsive and helpful in reviewing my NDA and providing feedback."
Redline non-compete waiver amendment. Remove personal liability, keep LLC only
"Lori was very responsive and delivered what I needed well before the projected end date. She was open to feedback and iterating her responses for my situation all within the budget that was agreed upon. Would recommend!"
Non-Compete Agreement and Employment Offer Review, Pre-signing
"Paul was stellar in every way. Highest recommendation possible; I will be continuing to partner with him. Thank you, Paul."
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
Florida
Noncompete agreement geographic scope?
I recently left my job of five years and have been offered a new position with a competitor. The new employer has asked me to sign a noncompete agreement. I am concerned about the geographic scope of the agreement and need to understand what areas it would cover, and if it would prevent me from taking a position with a competitor in another state or country.
Daniel D.
The Courts use a reasonableness standard determine if a non-compete is reasonable in time and geographic scope. It would be necessary to see the non-compete to tell you what it says, the areas it would cover and if it would prevent you from taking another position.
Employment
Noncompete Agreement
Washington
Noncompete agreement termination options?
I recently left my job after signing a Noncompete Agreement. I am looking for a new job, but I am concerned about the restrictions in the Noncompete Agreement and how it might affect my ability to find a new job. I am looking for advice on my options for terminating or modifying the Noncompete Agreement so that I can find a new job without having to worry about any potential legal repercussions.
Merry K.
I am a WA State employment attorney. If you didn’t receive anything in return for signing the non-compete, it may be relatively easy to get out of it. If, however, you signed in return for something, such as a severance package, it will be challenging to get out of the agreement. However, many non-compete agreements are written overly broadly and may not be enforceable under the laws of WA and other states. You may want to consult with a WA State employment attorney for a review of the documents and law(s) of the state(s) where you may want to work or set up a business. (A WA State attorney can only provide legal advice in WA, but can help you find applicable law/case decisions for other states but without providing anything beyond information, much like a law librarian).
Employment
Noncompete Agreement
Missouri
Could someone go to jail if they are accused of fraud for never intending to not breaching his or her non compete non solicit contract?
I am really curious when employment contract can become criminal. Is it criminal to ask you coworker to come work with you, considering if you are accused of fraud for breaching non compete non solicit?
Matthew S.
No, this at worst is a civil matter and not a criminal matter. F
Employment
Noncompete Agreement
Washington
Noncompete agreement and public policy?
I recently accepted a job offer with a new employer who asked me to sign a noncompete agreement. I am concerned that the agreement may not be in line with public policy and wanted to get a professional opinion from a lawyer to make sure I am not putting myself in a difficult situation.
Merry K.
If you are in Washington State, where I'm licensed, as opposed to D.C., please let me know what kind of help you are looking for - have you already signed the agreement? I've been a WA State attorney for nearly 38 years, and specialize in employment law.
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 ReviewNeed help with a Noncompete Agreement?
Employment lawyers by top cities
- Austin Employment Lawyers
- Boston Employment Lawyers
- Chicago Employment Lawyers
- Dallas Employment Lawyers
- Denver Employment Lawyers
- Houston Employment Lawyers
- Los Angeles Employment Lawyers
- New York Employment Lawyers
- Phoenix Employment Lawyers
- San Diego Employment Lawyers
- Tampa Employment Lawyers
District of Columbia Noncompete Agreement lawyers by city
ContractsCounsel User
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:
ContractsCounsel User