Quick Facts — Noncompete Agreement Lawyers (Georgia)

Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in Georgia?

In Georgia, non-compete agreements are permissible and enforceable for employees only if the employee engages in certain tasks outlined in the Georgia Code governing non-compete agreements. These tasks include:

  • Solicitation of employer’s customers
  • Engaging in sales or contracts
  • Enterprise management
  • Management of two or more employees
  • Hiring and firing employees
  • Any managerial responsibilities

How Long Does a Georgia Non-Compete Agreement Last?

Under Georgia statutes, the maximum duration of a non-compete agreement that restricts individual employees is two years. The time begins from the date that the business relationship is terminated.

When selling a business, the max duration of a non-compete agreement is increased to five years or any time in which payments are being made to the owner as a result of the sale.

How Do You Get Around a Non-Compete Agreement in Georgia?

To get around a non-compete agreement in Georgia, the employee needs to prove that the contract is over-broad or unreasonable. This can be done by showing that the duration of the contract is too long, the geographic boundaries are too large, or that the prohibited activities do not protect a legitimate business interest.

Georgia courts are permitted to modify an unenforceable non-compete agreement to make it enforceable. The courts cannot add to the contract, only remove overbroad or unreasonable terms. When modifying the contract, Georgia laws prohibit the courts from changing a term that will make the contract more restrictive towards the employee. This is one way that an employee can ensure the contract isn’t too restrictive, even if they cannot get around the contract completely.

What Voids a Non-Compete Agreement in Georgia?

Non-compete agreements require consideration to be valid contracts. In Georgia, continued employment is not considered sufficient consideration to support a non-compete. This means that without additional incentives like a promotion or new job title, a non-compete agreement may be void.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Jarrett S. on ContractsCounsel
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October 14, 2020

Jarrett S.

Startup Attorney
Free Consultation
Marietta, Georgia
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA
Emory University School of Law

I work with early stage startups (in Georgia and internationally) with their formation, contract, patent and investment needs.

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Meghan T. on ContractsCounsel
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Meghan T.

Partner
Free Consultation
Atlanta
7 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA
Emory University

Meghan Thomas is an accomplished transactional attorney. She specializes in IP, real estate and tech related transactional matters, and business contracts. Meghan's innovative leadership style has attributed to the firm's rapid development and presence in the metro-Atlanta market. She obtained her Doctor of Law from Emory University where she worked with the State Attorney General and litigated property disputes for disadvantaged clients. ​ Prior to practicing, Meghan negotiated complex transactions for Fortune 500 tech and healthcare companies. She lives with her family in Southwest Atlanta, enjoys cooking, travel, dance and continues to develop her research in the areas of transactional law and legal sustainability.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
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"Meghan's exceptional guidance through a complex commercial lease negotiation has solidified her as a trusted advisor for all future lease agreements. Her extensive background in contract negotiations and advocacy for small business owners has earned my utmost respect and repeat business. Thank you, Meghan for protecting my family business from potential financial hardship through your legal expertise."

Carlos C. on ContractsCounsel
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July 11, 2020

Carlos C.

Attorney-at-law and Certified Public Accountant
Free Consultation
Atlanta, GA
30 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA DC, FL
Inter American University

Carlos Colón-Machargo is a fully bilingual (English-Spanish) attorney-at-law and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over twenty years of experience. His major areas of practice include labor and employment law; business law; corporate, contract and tax law; and estate planning. He is currently admitted to practice law in Georgia, Florida, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and currently licensed as a CPA in Florida. He received a Master of Laws from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1997, where he concentrated in Labor and Employment Law (LL. M. in Labor and Employment Law) and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the Inter American University.

Chester A. on ContractsCounsel
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July 21, 2020

Chester A.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Atlanta, GA
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA IN
University of Miami School of Law

With over 24 years of practice, Chet uses his vast experiences to assist his clients in the most efficient manner possible. Chet is a magna cum laude graduate of University of Miami School of Law with an extensive background in Business Law, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Law, Leasing Law and Telecommunications Law. Chet's prior experience includes 5 years at two of the top law firms in Georgia and 16 years of operating his own private practice.

Benjamin M. on ContractsCounsel
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Benjamin M.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Atlanta, GA
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA
Georgia State University

Experienced Attorney focused on transactional law, payments processing, banking and finance law, and working with fintech companies with a demonstrated history of driving successful negotiations in technology sourcing and transactions and strong understanding of government contracts and the procurement process

Dani E. on ContractsCounsel
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November 4, 2020

Dani E.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Georgia
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA
Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School

Dani is a trusted legal professional with expertise in contracts and corporate legal operations. Dani supports customers in reviewing and negotiating both buy and sell side agreements, including but not limited to Master Services Agreements, Licensing Agreements, SaaS Agreements, Supply Agreements, Commercial Contracts, Healthcare Contracts, IT Contracts, Vendor Contracts and Non-Disclosure Agreements. She also assists with negotiation strategy, contract lifecycle, privacy issues, legal policy setting, process improvement, corporate governance, force majeure clauses and template harmonization and playbook development. Dani has proven success drafting, negotiating and advising executive leadership on contracts to drive outcomes in line with defined strategic objectives. Dani is based in Georgia and holds a law degree from Western Michigan University’s Cooley Law School.

Amos M. on ContractsCounsel
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Amos M.

Principal
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Nashville, TN
18 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA TN
Mississippi College School of Law

Since 2008, I have worked to assist clients in solving problems and addressing challenges that inevitably arise as a business grows - both anticipated and unexpected. My experience in Georgia and Tennessee in both drafting contracts and enforcing them via litigation and/or arbitration has provided clients with unique insights that help them anticipate problems and inform their decisions from start to finish.

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Lawyer Reviews for Georgia Noncompete Agreement Projects

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"Robert was very helpful and responsive. I had my questions answered and had suggestions on how to make the agreement more fair. I would definitely work with Robert again."

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"Great job!"

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Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Washington

Asked on Jul 25, 2023

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.

Answered Aug 8, 2023

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Delaware

Asked on Dec 12, 2023

Employee contract, such as non compete/non solicit, could having this contract ever result in criminal/jail time?

If someone accuses you of fraud, because they believe you never had intended to honor your employment contract such as non-compete/non-solicit. Could this ever become a criminal case, resulting in criminal/jail time?

Matthew S.

Answered Dec 16, 2023

No, at worst, it is a breach of a contract which is a civil matter to be handled in civil court.

Read 1 attorney answer>

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>

Employee Rights

Noncompete Agreement

New York

Asked on Dec 5, 2024

Can my employer enforce a non-compete agreement I signed even though I was not provided any additional compensation or benefits in return?

I recently started a new job and was asked to sign a non-compete agreement as a condition of employment. However, I just found out from a colleague that my employer has been enforcing the non-compete agreement against former employees and preventing them from working in similar roles at competing companies. I am concerned because I was not given any additional compensation or benefits in exchange for signing the agreement, and I believe it may be unfair and potentially unenforceable. Can my employer legally enforce the non-compete agreement even though I did not receive any additional compensation or benefits in return?

Damien B.

Answered Dec 6, 2024

Hello! Generally, New York courts require that a non-compete agreement be supported by adequate consideration. If the agreement is signed at the beginning of employment, the job itself may serve as adequate consideration. However, if the non-compete is signed after employment begins, the employer may need to offer additional benefits, such as a raise or promotion, for the agreement to be enforceable. There are other defenses against enforcement. For a non-compete agreement to be enforceable, it must be reasonable in terms of duration, geographic scope, and the scope of activities it restricts. A court will evaluate whether the agreement is necessary to protect the employer’s legitimate business interests, such as confidential information or customer relationships. If not, a court could rule the noncompete is not enforceable.

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