Answers / Employment
EMPLOYMENT

What is a non-solicitation agreement?

SHORT ANSWER

It restricts you from soliciting a former employer’s clients or employees after you leave — narrower than a non-compete. Enforceability depends on reasonableness and your state.

A non-solicitation agreement limits what you can do after leaving a job: typically, you agree not to solicit the company’s customers or recruit its employees for a period of time. It’s narrower than a non-compete — you can usually still work in the same field, just not poach specific relationships. Like non-competes, enforceability turns on reasonableness (scope, duration, geography) and varies by state; some states scrutinize them closely. The practical questions before signing: which clients or employees are off-limits, for how long, and whether the restriction is reasonable enough to hold up.

What to do, in order

  1. Identify who you’re barred from soliciting (clients, staff, or both).
  2. Check the duration and any geographic limits.
  3. Confirm you can still work in your field generally.
  4. Assess whether the restrictions are reasonable.
  5. Check how your state treats non-solicitation clauses.

Common questions

Is a non-solicitation agreement the same as a non-compete?

No — a non-compete restricts working in a field or area; a non-solicitation only restricts soliciting specific clients or employees, so it’s generally narrower.

Are non-solicitation agreements enforceable?

Often more enforceable than non-competes because they’re narrower, but it still depends on reasonableness and your state’s law.

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Main AI explains documents and general legal rights in clear terms. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws vary by state and change over time — verify specifics for your jurisdiction, and consult a licensed professional for advice on your situation.