South Dakota 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: $380.00
- Lawyers available: 244 employment lawyers
- Clients helped: 377 recent noncompete agreement projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 4.97 (96 reviews)
Is a Non-Compete Agreement Enforceable in South Dakota?
Yes. In South Dakota, non-compete agreements are permitted and enforced as long as the agreement adheres to certain rules and regulations. South Dakota regulates non-compete agreements based on whether the employee was fired or voluntarily quit their job.
Employees who are fired. When an employee is fired, non-compete agreements must meet the following standards:
- The restrictions are no greater than required to protect the employer.
- The restrictions do not impose undue hardship on the employee.
- The contract is no injurious to the public.
Employees who quit voluntarily. When an employee chooses to leave their job, the non-compete does not have to follow the same standards as a terminated employee and the contract does not have to pass a reasonability test.
How Long Does a South Dakota Non-Compete Agreement Last?
South Dakota laws have placed a two-year maximum term on non-compete agreements. This time begins on the date the employee is terminated.
How Do You Get Around a Non-Compete Agreement in South Dakota?
If an employee wishes to get around a non-compete agreement or terminate the agreement, they will have to show the court that the contract does not follow the statutes governing non-compete agreements.
If an employee was fired, they can do this by showing that the contract is overly broad or unreasonably restrictive. South Dakota allows courts to modify unreasonable non-compete agreements in favor of the employee in a practice called “blue penciling”. While this won’t terminate the agreement, it will make the terms more manageable for the employee.
What Voids a South Dakota Non-Compete Agreement?
A non-compete agreement will be deemed void if it is found that the contract was not entered into voluntarily. Like all contracts, the parties entering a non-compete must do so free of threat or coercion or the contract 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
California Employment non compete question session Drafting
- California
- 6 lawyer bids
- $249 - $500
Florida Review Employment Contract Non-Compete Clause for Chiropractor Review
- Florida
- 4 lawyer bids
- $150 - $399
Illinois confidentiality and non-compete agreement review Review
- Illinois
- 6 lawyer bids
- $599 - $850
See all Non-Compete Agreement projects in South Dakota
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 South Dakota Noncompete Agreement Lawyers
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.
Find the best lawyer for your project
Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for South Dakota 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."
Review Employment Agreements and Non-Compete
"Very helpful and reassuring!"
Review of Non-Compete Agreement for Nurse Practitioner in Florida
"Reviewed my employment agreement and possible conflict with a job well."
Meet some of our other Noncompete Agreement Lawyers
Laurie R.
Business-minded, analytical and detail-oriented attorney with broad experience in real estate and corporate law, with an emphasis on retail leasing, sales and acquisitions and real estate finance. Extensive experience in drafting complex commercial contracts, including purchase and sale contracts for businesses in a wide variety of industries. Also experienced in corporate formation and governance, mergers and acquisitions, employment and franchise law. Admitted to practice in Colorado since 2001, Bar No. 33427.
"Absolutely incredible experience working with Laurie! I certainly will work with her hopefully in the future, and would highly recommend working with her for commercial lease agreement review. Very detailed, and extremely quick and responsive!"
June 17, 2023
Nancy B.
I was born in Charlotte, NC and primarily raised in Dalton, GA. I graduated from Dalton High School in 1981 where I was in the band and the French club. I also participated in Junior Achievement and was a member of Tri-Hi-Y. New York granted my first license as an attorney in 1990. I then worked as a partner in the firm of Broda and Burnett for almost 10 years and as a solo practitioner for about 2 years. I worked as a general practitioner (primarily doing divorces, child abuse cases, custody matters and other family law matters, bankruptcy, real estate closings, contracts, taxes, etc.) and as a Law Guardian (attorney who represents children). I obtained my license in Tennessee in December 2002 and began working as an associate at Blackburn & McCune from February of 2003 until May of 2005. At Blackburn & McCune I provided telephone legal counsel to Prepaid Legal Services (now known as Legal Shield) members, wrote letters for members, reviewed contracts, attended hearings on traffic ticket matters and represented members with regard to IRS matters. In May of 2005, I went to work for North American Satellite Corporation where I served as Corporate Counsel. I handled a number of taxation issues, reviewed and wrote contracts, counseled the CEO and Board of Directors on avoiding legal problems and resolving disputes, and represented employees on a variety of matters, and also assisted the company for a period of time as its Director of Accounting. In 2010, I volunteered as a law clerk for Judge Robert Adams in Dalton, Georgia until I obtained my license to practice law in Georgia in November, 2010. In Georgia, I have handled a variety of family law matters, drafted wills, advanced health care directives, power of attorney documents, reviewed and drafted contracts, and conducted real estate closings. Currently, I accept cases in the areas of adoption, child support, custody, divorce, legitimation and other family law matters. In addition, I handle name change petitions and draft wills.
June 20, 2023
David M.
Michigan and USPTO licensed attorney with over 20 years of experience on counseling clients in the fields of intellectual property, transactional law, technology involvement, negotiations, and business litigation.
Derek C.
June 19, 2023
Derek C.
With over a decade of experience in transactional legal work, I provide clients with comprehensive, practical, and tailored solutions in real estate, business law, and estate planning. My focus is on delivering precise, client-centered services that protect your interests and help you achieve your goals. What I Offer: Real Estate Law: Expertise in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts for purchases, sales, leases, easements, title documents, and closings. Whether you're dealing with commercial, multifamily, or residential properties, I’ll ensure your transaction is seamless and secure. Business Law: Skilled in forming entities, drafting contracts, and other key negotiations. From startups to established businesses, I provide legal guidance to help you operate and grow with confidence. Estate Planning: Comprehensive estate planning services, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. I work closely with clients to create customized plans that protect their assets and ensure their wishes are honored. Transactional Expertise: A proven track record of navigating complex deals efficiently and accurately, reducing risks and delivering results. Why Work With Me? Client-Centered Approach: I prioritize your unique needs, ensuring tailored solutions and clear communication throughout. Attention to Detail: My meticulous approach ensures that every document, negotiation, and agreement is handled flawlessly. Proven Results: For over 10 years, I’ve helped clients close real estate deals, secure favorable business outcomes, and establish estate plans that offer peace of mind. Let’s work together to secure your future, protect your assets, and simplify complex legal transactions. Contact me today to discuss how I can support your real estate, business, or estate planning needs!
John B.
I am an attorney with over 13 years experience licensed in both Illinois and Indiana. I spent the early part of my career as a civil litigation attorney. Eventually, I moved into an in-house role, specifically as general counsel, to help companies avoid the pains of litigation. In doing so, I gained significant experience in executive leadership, corporate governance, risk management and cybersecurity/privacy. I bring this wealth of experience to my client engagements to not only resolve the immediate issue, but help implement lasting improvements in practices to avoid similar problems going forward.
June 22, 2023
Daniel W.
I am a Spanish-fluent corporate and commercial real estate attorney and broker licensed in New York and New Jersey. My pragmatic approach towards conflict resolution allows me to provide valuable advice to clients on avoiding issues of liability through effective risk management and strategic allocation of resources. I counsel businesses, developers, owners and investors on residential/commercial real estate and corporate transactions involving the acquisition, finance, development, leasing and disposition of all asset classes. In addition, I advise on joint venture partnerships and the negotiation, structure and drafting of operating agreements. Throughout my successful practice, I have held in-house counsel positions at large corporations, including JPMorgan Chase and Duane Reade, and had the privilege of working for the Department of Justice where I honed expertise in all aspects of mortgage-backed securities.
Employment
Noncompete Agreement
Colorado
Can I get out of my noncompete agreement?
I am looking at my options.
Donya G.
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.
Business
Noncompete Agreement
Florida
Noncompete agreement and business partners?
I am a business owner who has recently acquired a new partner. We are in the process of drafting a Noncompete Agreement to ensure that neither of us will compete against each other in the same market. We are looking for advice on what should be included in the agreement and how it should be enforced.
Daniel D.
The one thing to make sure with noncompete agreements is that it is reasonable in terms of duration and the area you cannot compete in. Courts use a reasonableness test to determine whether a noncompete agreement is valid. If provisions are deemed to be unreasonable and fail the test, they could be altered or struck out of the agreement.
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.
Business Contracts
Noncompete Agreement
Florida
Noncompete agreement for consultants?
I am a consultant who is looking to take on a new client, but the client requires me to sign a Noncompete Agreement. I want to make sure that I am not signing away my rights, and that the agreement is fair and reasonable. I am also interested in understanding how this agreement would affect my ability to work with other clients.
Venus C.
Hello. I appreciate your concerns about signing a Noncompete Agreement. It's essential to protect your rights and ensure the agreement is fair and reasonable given that a noncompete typically restricts competing activities during or after the term of engagement. Without knowing more about the business relationship and reviewing the actual terms, whether the non-compete is fair, reasonable, or even enforceable remains an open-ended question. Bearing this in mind, if the noncompete is preventing you from taking on other clients during or after the end of your relationship (or both), the scope of this restriction must be reasonable in terms of time, geographic area, and the specific activities it seeks to prevent. For example, does the noncompete specify the types of clients, industries, or geographic areas that are off-limits? What is the duration of the noncompete? If the client breaches your main agreement, will that render your noncompete void and unenforceable? These are just a few general questions that require a thorough review and analysis against Florida non-compete laws. Overall, the ultimate goal is to carefully review the terms to understand how they might impact your ability to take on new clients. If you don’t understand or are unsure about the contractual terms and their legal implications, it's highly recommended you consult with an attorney who can review the noncompete and provide you with personalized legal advice before you sign.
Employee Rights
Noncompete Agreement
New York
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.
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.
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
South Dakota Noncompete Agreement lawyers by city
See All Noncompete Agreement LawyersContractsCounsel User
I have two non competes that needs review, one on rollover shares and as a retired officer
Location: Nevada
Turnaround: A week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Non-Compete Agreement
Page Count: 3
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $400 - $500
User Feedback:
ContractsCounsel User