For Companies and HR Leaders with Businesses or Employees in Oregon
Employers
Counsel and defense for employers in Oregon on non-compete agreement issues
For Workers and Executives
Employees
Representation for Oregon workers in non-compete agreement matters
Who We Are
Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP is a Portland-based employment law firm that advises and represents both employers and employees on employment law matters, including non-compete agreements and other restrictive covenants. Our attorneys assist with drafting, reviewing, interpreting, negotiating, enforcing, and challenging these agreements, as well as related employment contracts and workplace disputes. We represent clients throughout Oregon in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies when employment-related issues arise.
Because we represent both employers and employees, we understand the legal and practical considerations involved in interpreting, negotiating, and enforcing non-compete agreements. This balanced perspective enables us to anticipate the arguments and challenges on both sides while providing practical, strategic guidance tailored to each client's needs.
Whether you are an employer seeking to protect legitimate business interests with a carefully drafted non-compete agreement or an employee evaluating, negotiating, or contesting post-employment restrictions, obtaining legal advice early can make a meaningful difference. Addressing potential concerns before an agreement is signed or before a dispute develops can help protect your rights, reduce legal risks, and avoid costly litigation.
Meet Our Portland Team Handling Non-Compete Agreement Cases
What Is Non-Compete
Agreement Law?
Laws governing non-compete agreements inform when and how employers may restrict an employee's ability to work for a competitor or start a competing business after leaving a job. Non-compete agreements can involve a variety of workplace issues, including:
- Disputes over enforceability
- Hiring by competing employers
- Employee mobility
- Trade secrets
- Confidential information
- Claims involving breach of contract or unfair competition
How Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP Helps Employees With Non-Compete Agreement Issues
Employees may seek guidance from a non-compete agreement lawyer when they have received a job offer that includes a non-compete provision, when they are seeking to exit an employer and need to understand any restrictions on their future employment, or when they have been accused of violating a non-compete provision.
We also provide counsel for these other types of Oregon and federal employment contract law.
Breach of Contract
Employment contracts establish responsibilities and expectations between employers and employees. When either party fails to fulfill those obligations, disputes may arise involving compensation, job responsibilities, termination provisions, bonuses, equity interests, commissions, or other employment benefits. We help clients assess potential contract violations, understand their legal options, and pursue effective solutions through negotiation, mediation, or litigation when appropriate.
Non-Solicitation Agreements
Non-solicitation agreements include provisions that limit a former employee’s ability to contact or conduct business with former customers, clients, or coworkers after leaving a company. Since these restrictions may impact an employee’s future career opportunities, we help employees understand the scope and enforceability of non-solicitation clauses. We also provide guidance in resolving disputes involving the interpretation or enforcement of these provisions.
Severance Agreements
Employers sometimes provide severance agreements when an employment relationship ends that may contain important provisions regarding the release of legal claims, confidentiality obligations, restrictive covenants, and deadlines for acceptance. To protect an employee’s rights and future opportunities, it is important to understand the terms before signing. We assist employees by reviewing severance packages, explaining potential legal consequences, and negotiating favorable changes when appropriate, allowing clients to make informed decisions about their next steps.
Our Approach for Employees
Non-compete agreement concerns are often best addressed before a contract is executed or a conflict develops. We provide strategic, practical guidance tailored to each client’s objectives, whether that involves negotiating contract terms, reviewing and explaining legal rights and obligations, or resolving disputes with an employer.
Intake & Consultation
We start by gaining an understanding of your employment circumstances, reviewing the relevant agreement, and discussing your objectives, concerns, and any important deadlines or timing considerations.
Contract Review & Legal Assessment
We carefully review the terms of the agreement, assess how Oregon and federal laws may impact how it’s enforced, identify potential concerns or risks, and discuss the legal options available to you.
Strategy and Recommendation
Based on your goals and circumstances, we help determine the most effective path forward, which may involve negotiating contract terms, addressing proposed changes, seeking an informal resolution, or preparing for litigation when necessary.
Representation
Whether through direct negotiations with an employer or representation in court, arbitration, or other legal proceedings, we advocate for outcomes that safeguard your professional goals and financial interests.
We Also Offer Non-Compete Agreement Counsel for
Employers
Carefully drafted non-compete agreements can help employers protect legitimate business interests, safeguard confidential information, and establish clear expectations regarding post-employment restrictions. Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP advises employers throughout Oregon on various aspects, including development, review, negotiation, and enforcement of non-compete agreements. We strive to align with their business goals while complying with applicable state and federal requirements.
Non-Compete Agreement Issues We Help Employers Navigate
Non-compete agreement disputes may arise when employees claim that a non-compete is unenforceable or unfairly limits their ability to pursue future employment. These matters may involve questions about enforceability, contract interpretation, alleged violations, confidentiality obligations, and the scope of post-employment restrictions.
Drafting and Negotiating Non-Compete Agreements Before Signing
Employers often seek legal guidance before presenting an employee with a non-compete agreement. An attorney can draft and review the terms, explain potential restrictions and obligations, identify concerns, and negotiate revisions to ensure the agreement aligns with the client’s goals and applicable law.
Cease-and-Desist Letters
In some cases, sending a cease-and-desist letter is an appropriate first step when an employer believes a former employee has violated a non-compete agreement. A carefully drafted letter can notify the employee of the alleged breach, explain the employer's position, and request compliance before litigation becomes necessary. An experienced attorney can evaluate the agreement's enforceability, prepare a letter that accurately reflects the employer's legal rights, and advise on the most effective course of action if the dispute continues.
Enforcing Non-Compete Agreements
When an employee violates a valid non-compete agreement, employers may need to take legal action to protect confidential information, customer relationships, and other legitimate business interests. Depending on the circumstances, an employer may seek to enforce the agreement, respond to challenges regarding its enforceability, pursue available remedies for the breach, and advocate for its rights throughout the litigation process. An experienced attorney can evaluate the agreement, assess the applicable law, and develop a strategy tailored to the employer's objectives.
Injunctive Relief in Non-Compete Disputes
Employers may seek an injunction or court order to prevent a former employee from engaging in certain work activities while a dispute is resolved. Whether seeking enforcement or challenging an employer’s request, legal representation can help address the legal standards involved and present the strongest possible arguments.
Trade Secret and Confidential Information Disputes
Many non-compete disputes involve allegations that an employee misused confidential information, customer lists, proprietary processes, or trade secrets. These cases require a detailed review of employment agreements, company practices, and the information at issue.
An attorney can help employers protect trade secrets and confidential business information by investigating suspected misuse, gathering evidence of misappropriation, enforcing confidentiality agreements, and pursuing legal action when a former employee has b improperly retained, disclosed or used proprietary information.
Our Approach for Employers
Non-compete agreements are most effective when they are thoughtfully prepared with potential risks and needs in mind. We help employers develop clear, practical agreements, address disputes as they arise, and minimize legal risks while creating contracts that support their long-term business objectives.
Business and Contract Evaluation
We take the time to understand your workforce, business goals, and employment needs to identify the contractual provisions and protections that best align with your objectives.
Risk Analysis
We assess potential legal concerns, analyze enforceability under Oregon law, and provide strategic recommendations that balance your business interests with practical, real-world considerations.
Drafting and Negotiation
We draft tailored non-compete agreements, evaluate proposed changes, assist with negotiations when needed, and help employers create clear documentation that reflects the parties’ expectations and objectives.
Enforcement and Resolution
When non-compete agreement disputes occur, we counsel employers on available options, including negotiation, enforcement actions, litigation, arbitration, and other dispute resolution approaches designed to protect their business interests.
Schedule an Intake with Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP
Are you an Oregon employer creating or negotiating non-compete agreements or addressing a related dispute? Or are you an employee needing assistance with reviewing non-compete agreement terms and understanding your rights under an existing contract? Consulting with experienced legal counsel early can help you make informed decisions. Buchanan Angeli Sullivan & Ferrer LLP provides practical, strategic guidance tailored to your unique circumstances, goals, and legal needs.