September 28, 2016

Illinois Freedom to Work Act Restricts Non-Competes for Some Low Wage Workers

Illinois Freedom to Work Act Restricts Non-Competes for Some Low Wage Workers Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has signed into law the Illinois Freedom to Work Act (Public Act 099-0860). The Act prohibits private sector employers from entering into non-compete restrictions with “low-wage employees” and renders any such agreements “illegal and void.” […]
February 10, 2015

The Latest Chapter on the Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements in Illinois

The Latest Chapter on the Enforceability of Non-Compete Agreements in Illinois New Illinois cases further muddy the waters for enforcement of non-compete agreements. Last year we told you about the case of Fifield v. Premier Dealer Servs., Inc., 993 N.E.2d 938 (Ill. App. Ct. 1st Dist.2013), in which the Illinois Appellate Court for the First District held that, absent other adequate consideration, an at-will employee’s […]
August 21, 2014

Legal Dictionary—Non-compete Agreement

What is a “non-compete agreement”? Non-compete agreements are contracts in which one party agrees not to compete in the marketplace against another party. Although most often seen in the employment context, non-compete agreements also often appear as part of buying and selling a business. In Illinois, courts generally start from […]
November 25, 2013

Charles G. Wentworth in the News

Charles G. Wentworth in the News Charles Wentworth was recently quoted discussing start-ups, non-compete agreements, ERISA, and art law. Lofgren & Wentworth, P.C. attorney Charles Wentworth was interviewed by the Daily Herald’s business columnist and blogger, Jim Kendall.  The article dealt with entrepreneurship and the potential pitfalls of starting a new business, […]
September 19, 2013

Illinois Employment Law Update

Illinois’ First Appellate District appears to change the rules for non-compete agreements. Small businesses routinely use non-compete agreements to lock down key employees and keep them from competing against their employers later on.  When drafted and executed properly, those agreements can be very useful tools for protecting your company’s client […]