Non-Compete Agreement Attorneys in D.C.

Non-compete agreements can have a lasting impact on your career. These clauses may restrict your ability to take a new job, start your own business, or work in your industry for months or even years after leaving your employer. But in Washington, D.C., the legal landscape surrounding non-competes has undergone major changes in recent years.

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we help employees in Washington, D.C. understand, negotiate, and challenge non-compete agreements. Whether you’re being asked to sign one, trying to exit an existing contract, or facing threats of enforcement, we can help protect your rights and future job opportunities.

What Is a Non-Compete Agreement?

A non-compete agreement (NCA) is a contract provision that restricts an employee from working for a competitor or starting a competing business for a certain period after leaving a job. These agreements are often included in:

  • Employment contracts
  • Severance agreements
  • Confidentiality and proprietary information agreements
  • Partnership or equity arrangements

While employers claim non-competes are necessary to protect trade secrets or client relationships, they can unfairly limit your ability to earn a living or pursue your career.

Major Changes to D.C.’s Non-Compete Law

In 2021, the District of Columbia passed sweeping reforms aimed at limiting the use of non-compete agreements. Under the Non-Compete Clarification Amendment Act of 2022, which took effect in October 2022, most employers are prohibited from requiring non-compete clauses for employees earning less than a certain threshold.

As of 2024, key highlights include:

  • Ban on Non-Competes for Most Employees: Employers cannot impose non-competes on employees who earn less than $150,000 annually (or $250,000 for medical specialists).
  • Advance Notice Requirement: Employers must provide written notice at least 14 days before requiring an employee to sign a non-compete.
  • Disclosure Requirements: Agreements must clearly state the scope, duration, and geographic limits of the restriction.
  • No Retaliation: Employers may not retaliate against employees who ask about or refuse to sign a non-compete agreement.

These rules only apply to employees who work primarily in D.C. and do not affect agreements made before the new law took effect—making legal review essential if you’re unsure whether your agreement is enforceable.

Common Legal Issues We Handle

At The Mundaca Law Firm, we represent employees dealing with non-compete disputes involving:

1. Signing a New Non-Compete

If you’re starting a new job or being asked to sign a non-compete agreement, we can:

  • Evaluate whether the clause is legal under current D.C. law
  • Help you negotiate narrower terms
  • Ensure you understand how the agreement could affect your future

2. Leaving a Job with an Existing Non-Compete

Already signed a non-compete? You may still have options:

  • It may not be enforceable under new D.C. regulations
  • The terms may be overly broad or vague
  • You may be able to negotiate a release from the agreement

We’ll review your specific situation and determine the best course of action to protect your career.

3. Threats or Enforcement Actions

If an employer is threatening legal action or sending cease-and-desist letters, you need legal representation immediately. We can help you:

  • Respond to enforcement threats
  • Evaluate the enforceability of the agreement
  • Negotiate a resolution that allows you to continue working

Factors Courts Consider in Enforcing Non-Competes

Even before the 2022 changes, D.C. courts were cautious about enforcing non-compete agreements. Courts typically examine:

  • Whether the agreement protects a legitimate business interest
  • Whether it is reasonable in duration and geographic scope
  • Whether it places an undue burden on the employee
  • Whether the public interest is harmed by enforcement

If a non-compete is too broad or punitive, courts may refuse to enforce it.

We Represent Employees at All Levels

We help workers across various industries and career levels, including:

  • Technology and cybersecurity professionals
  • Legal, finance, and consulting professionals
  • Healthcare and medical workers
  • Sales executives and account managers
  • Government contractors and private-sector employees

Whether you’re early in your career or an experienced executive, we’ll provide clear legal guidance that supports your long-term goals.

Why Choose The Mundaca Law Firm?

Non-compete disputes are high-stakes matters. At The Mundaca Law Firm, we offer:

  • Deep knowledge of D.C.’s evolving laws
  • Strong negotiation skills to revise or remove restrictive terms
  • Litigation experience if your rights are challenged
  • Personalized service that takes your career and goals into account

We help you stand up for your rights and move forward with confidence.

Schedule a Confidential Non-Compete Review

Before you sign—or if you’re facing limitations from a past agreement—let us help. The sooner you get legal advice, the more options you’ll have.

Contact The Mundaca Law Firm Today

  • Phone: (202) 474-8500
  • Website: www.mundacalaw.com
  • Location: Washington, D.C.
  • Serving: Employees throughout the District of Columbia and surrounding metro area

Don’t let a non-compete derail your future. Get clarity—and a strategy—today.