Missouri Noncompete Agreement: What's Included and Enforceability

Quick Facts — Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in Missouri?

Non-compete agreements in Missouri are legal and enforceable. In Missouri, non-compete agreements are governed by a mixture of state statutes and case law. Agreements must be reasonable and the limitations imposed by the contract cannot be more excessive than necessary to protect the business owner’s interests.

According to the statute governing non-compete agreements business interests include:

  • Confidential business information
  • Trade secrets
  • Customer or supplier relationships
  • Goodwill

Under Missouri law and the rules governing the Missouri bar, the only two types of employees that are prohibited from entering non-compete agreements are secretarial or clerical employees and attorneys.

How Long Does a Missouri Non-Compete Agreement Last?

Missouri state statutes placed a one-year maximum limit on non-compete agreements. The one-year period begins after the employee’s employment has ended. Contracts that have terms lasting more than one year will not be enforced.

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

To get around a non-compete agreement in Missouri, an employee must prove that the restrictions of the contract fail to protect a legitimate business interest or that the agreement too broad and unreasonable.

Missouri recognizes the principle of blue penciling. This means that a court has the authority to modify an unenforceable contract to make the contract enforceable. Courts must only modify the contract in favor if the employee. For example, if the geographic area in the contract is “statewide”, a court may deem that unreasonable and modify it to a few select counties or a 50-mile radius.

What Voids a Non-Compete Agreement in Missouri?

A non-compete agreement in Missouri will be void if it violates any of the statutes that governs contracts. This includes a non-compete with a duration of more than one year, or if the contract doesn’t include all essential elements of a valid contract.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

See Noncompete Agreement by State

See Real Non-Compete Agreement Projects

Utah Non-compete analysis Review
  • Utah
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $495 - $1,850
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
California Review non-compete clauses for Blockchain Startup Offer Letter Review
  • California
  • 6 lawyer bids
  • $150 - $400
View Details
Florida Review Employment Contract Non-Compete Clause for Chiropractor Review
  • Florida
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $150 - $399
View Details
Texas Non-compete settlement agreement Review
  • Texas
  • 10 lawyer bids
  • $300 - $999
View Details
Illinois confidentiality and non-compete agreement review Review
  • Illinois
  • 6 lawyer bids
  • $599 - $850
View Details

See all Non-Compete Agreement projects in Missouri


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 22,737 reviews

Meet some of our Missouri Noncompete Agreement Lawyers

Joseph B. on ContractsCounsel
View Joseph
5.0 (2)
Member Since:
July 28, 2023

Joseph B.

Solo Practitioner
Free Consultation
Lebanon, IN
3 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MO IN
Mitchell Hamline School of Law

I am an attorney licensed in Indiana. I currently work primarily on civil litigation, landlord/tenant matters, and adoption cases. I have over 10 years of labor relations experience, including negotiations, labor contract enforcement, and arbitration experience. I also work with several non-profit groups representing LGBTQ+ groups and indigent clients in housing matters.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Joseph gave me a great deal on a detailed lease with everything I needed included. Would definitely recommend!"

Mark P. on ContractsCounsel
View Mark
4.4 (11)
Member Since:
July 21, 2023

Mark P.

Owner
Free Consultation
Bastrtop, TX
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MO KS, NE, TX
University of Missouri - Kansas City

I represent a diverse mix in a vast array of specialties, including litigation, contracts, compliance, business and financial strategies, and emerging industries. Credit for this foundation of strength goes to those who taught me. Skilled professors and professionals fostered my powerful educational and professional background. Prior to law school, I earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration & Accounting from Peru State College. I received a Master of Business Administration degree from Chadron State College. My ambitions did not stop there. While working full time as a Senior Accountant for the University of Missouri, Columbia, I achieved the lifelong goal of becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Mizzo provided excellent opportunities and amazing experiences. Managing over $50M in government and private research funding was a gift. As a high ranking professional in the Department of Research, I was given priceless insight into the greatest scientific, journalistic, medical, and legal minds in the world. My passion for successful growth did not, and has not stopped. I graduated summa cum laude (top 3%) with a Doctorate in Law, emphasizing in urban, land use and environmental/toxic tort law from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. This success lead to invaluable experiences of serving as Hon. Brian C. Wimes' judicial clerk for the U.S. District Court for the W. D. of Missouri, as a staff editor/writer for UMKC Law Review, and as a litigation and transactional attorney with Lathrop GPM (fka Lathrop & Gage). My professional and personal network is expansive, with established relationships throughout the U.S. and overseas. Although I engage in legal practice all over the country, I maintain law licenses in Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. Federally, I hold licenses in the W.D. and E.D. of Missouri and the District of Nebraska. To offer extra value, efficiency, and options, I maintain a CPA license and am obtaining a real-estate brokerage license.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"I contacted Parachini Law after I had sent multiple unanswered information requests a third party. Mark not only send out a record request to the address specified, but also sent out additional requests at other possible business addresses to ensure the request was received. As a result, I finally received the information I was looking for. The firm was very professional to work with."

Michael V. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
Member Since:
May 5, 2022
John C. on ContractsCounsel
View John
Member Since:
August 16, 2022

John C.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Leawood, Kansas
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MO KS
U.M.K.C Law School

Licensed to practice law in the states of Missouri and Kansas. Have been licensed to practice law for 44 years. Have been AV rated by Martindale Hubbel for almost 30 years.

William W. on ContractsCounsel
View William
Member Since:
June 6, 2023

William W.

Principal Attorney
Free Consultation
St. Louis
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MO
Saint Louis University School of Law

My name is Will, and I'm the Principal Attorney at Accelerate Law STL, a startup attorney who helps entrepreneurs and small businesses with everything from formation to IPO. Whether your small to mid-sized business needs help drafting or reviewing contracts, securing intellectual property, complying with government regulations, or even streamlining your business' internal policies, I'm prepared to help.

Scott M. on ContractsCounsel
View Scott
Member Since:
August 2, 2023

Scott M.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Kansas City
13 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MO KS, TX
Washington University in St. Louis

Skilled/versatile attorney (and RE broker) with 10+ years' experience and diverse background in real estate, business law, injury litigation, estate planning. Select Experience: • Former General Counsel (and current Of Counsel) for a prominent real estate developer touching on all aspects of business in a hands-on and advisory role, including Lease and PSA contract negotiations; • Years of successful injury litigation practice as associate and solo (primarily plaintiff, some defense) with multiple six-figure settlements; • Years of expertise in business law for a variety of industries as well as estate planning for small to mid-size entities.

Michael S. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
Member Since:
July 26, 2023

Michael S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Kansas City Metro Area
4 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MO KS
University of Kansas

Born and raised in St. Louis, MO. Bachelors Degree from the University of Iowa. Masters Degree from the University of Melbourne. J.D. from the University of Kansas. Licensed to practice law in Missouri and Kansas. Tennessee currently pending.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Lawyer Reviews for Missouri Noncompete Agreement Projects

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

Review Noncompete Agreement

4.7

"Great concise and helped me review documents"

Florida
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Review of Non-Compete Agreement and Severance in Georgia

5.0

"Great to work with and very thorough in his review! Thank you!!"

Reply From Allen L.

View More
Georgia
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Non Compete for Civil Engineering

5.0

"Great expertise and efficiency"

Florida
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

Review Noncompete Agreement

5.0

"Valerie was professional, quick, and precise. Will reach out to her for any future matters. Thank you."

Reply From Valerie I.

View More
Florida
Review
Non-Compete Agreement
ContractsCounsel User

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

Colorado

Asked on Mar 31, 2021

Can I get out of my noncompete agreement?

I am looking at my options.

Donya G.

Answered Mar 31, 2021

You may be able to be released from a non compete. You would have to review the language in the non compete to see the expiration. DISCLAIMER The answers to these questions do not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship with the attorney and anyone who reviews these responses.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Missouri

Asked on Dec 12, 2023

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.

Answered Dec 16, 2023

No, this at worst is a civil matter and not a criminal matter. F

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>

Employment

Noncompete Agreement

Washington

Asked on Jul 11, 2023

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.

Answered Aug 15, 2023

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).

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 22,737 reviews
Employment lawyers by top cities
See All Missouri Employment Lawyers
Missouri 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:
Non-Compete agreement
Location: California
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Non-Compete Agreement
Page Count: 3
Number of Bids: 5
Bid Range: $350 - $400
User Feedback:
Valerie was thorough and explained everything clearly. Quick response and accommodated tight timeline.

Need help with a Noncompete Agreement?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,737 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