Non-Compete Agreement Lawyers in Arlington, Virginia

Non-compete agreements can significantly affect your career, your earning potential, and your ability to move forward after leaving a job. Whether you’re an employee asked to sign a non-compete—or an employer seeking to enforce one—it’s important to understand what these agreements mean under Virginia law.

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help clients in Arlington, Virginia, navigate non-compete issues with clarity and confidence. We review, negotiate, and litigate non-compete agreements to ensure your rights and your future are protected.

What Is a Non-Compete Agreement?

A non-compete agreement (also called a restrictive covenant) is a contract that limits a person’s ability to work for a competitor or start a competing business for a certain period of time after leaving a job. Employers often include these clauses in employment contracts or separation agreements.

The goal is to prevent employees from using inside knowledge, customer relationships, or trade secrets to benefit a competitor. However, not all non-competes are legal or enforceable.

Are Non-Compete Agreements Enforceable in Virginia?

Virginia law does not automatically prohibit non-compete agreements, but courts enforce them only if they meet strict requirements. A non-compete must be:

  • Narrowly tailored in terms of duration, geographic scope, and the type of restricted activity
  • Designed to protect a legitimate business interest, such as trade secrets or client relationships
  • Not overly burdensome on the employee’s ability to earn a living

If the agreement is too broad or vague, it may be unenforceable.

In 2020, Virginia passed a law banning non-compete agreements for low-wage workers, defined as employees earning less than the average weekly wage in the Commonwealth. Employers who violate this law can face civil penalties and liability.

Common Non-Compete Issues We Handle

Our firm represents both employees and employers in non-compete matters, including:

Reviewing Employment Contracts

Before you sign an employment agreement that contains a non-compete clause, it’s essential to understand what you’re agreeing to—and how it may affect your future.

Challenging the Enforceability of a Non-Compete

If a former employer is trying to enforce a non-compete against you, we can assess whether the agreement is legally valid and defend your right to work.

Defending Against Cease-and-Desist Letters

Employers sometimes send threatening letters to former employees or their new employers. We help clients respond strategically and assert their legal rights.

Negotiating Exit Agreements

We help employees negotiate severance packages and separation agreements that include fair and reasonable restrictive covenants—or remove them entirely.

Enforcing Non-Compete Clauses

For employers, we offer counsel on how to draft enforceable agreements and take legal action against former employees who breach them.

How Non-Competes Affect Your Career

Non-compete agreements can limit your ability to:

  • Work for a competitor
  • Start your own business in a related field
  • Work within a certain geographic area
  • Maintain existing client relationships

This can be especially harmful in highly specialized fields like technology, consulting, finance, government contracting, and healthcare, where Arlington professionals often build niche careers.

That’s why it’s so important to get legal advice before signing or challenging a non-compete.

For Employers in Arlington

If you are a business owner or executive, non-compete agreements can help protect your company’s confidential information, client relationships, and competitive edge.

We can help you:

  • Draft clear, enforceable non-compete clauses
  • Use non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements as alternatives
  • Respond to breaches by former employees
  • Ensure compliance with Virginia’s evolving laws, including protections for low-wage workers

Whether you’re hiring new employees or dealing with a separation, we’ll help you use these agreements strategically and legally.

Why Choose The Mundaca Law Firm?

  • Focused on Employment Law: We know the legal landscape and the latest court decisions affecting non-competes in Virginia.
  • Experienced with Both Sides: We represent both employees and employers, giving us a strategic understanding of how non-compete disputes unfold.
  • Based in the DMV Area: Located near D.C., we are deeply familiar with the industries and professional dynamics of Arlington, Virginia.
  • Straightforward Counsel: We offer practical advice grounded in the law—so you can make informed decisions.

Know Your Rights Before You Sign—or Challenge—A Non-Compete

Whether you’re negotiating a new job, leaving your current role, or responding to a legal threat, you don’t have to face non-compete issues alone. At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help clients protect their careers, reputations, and businesses.

Speak With an Arlington Non-Compete Lawyer Today

  • Phone: (202) 474-8500
  • Website: www.mundacalaw.com
  • Serving: Arlington, VA and the greater D.C. metro area

Before you sign. Before you leave. Before you respond. Talk to us first.