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Non-Compete Agreement Enforceability in Massachusetts

Started by worried_parent_GA · Sep 17, 2025 · 1,850 views · 19 replies
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
WP
worried_parent_GA OP

I've been trying to resolve this in Massachusetts on my own but I'm stuck.

asked to sign non-compete after 3 years. I've been dealing with this for about 4 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

I have worked at this company for 1 years. My position is exempt and I do not have a written employment agreement beyond the standard offer letter.

Do I have a strong case? What should my next steps be?

AF
asking_for_friend_seller_question

Have you tried reaching out to your state's legal aid society? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.

CA
CorpCounsel_Amy

Been there. Here's what I learned.

What worked for me was filing with the appropriate government agency. It took 4-8 months but was worth it.

NT
newbie_trader_TX

Have you tried reaching out to your state's bar association? They sometimes have free resources or mediation services.

DP
desperate_parent_MA

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

TL
Mod_TermsLaw Moderator

I've handled similar cases. Here's my take on the legal issues.

There are several legal theories that could apply here. The strongest is probably Title VII, which requires showing discriminatory.

One important thing — there are strict deadlines for filing these claims. Don't wait too long.

MA
MusicProducer_ATL

Not a lawyer, but I have direct experience with this.

In my case, it took about 2-4 months to resolve. The key was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter.

FT
first_time_renter_help

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

CB
confused_business_owner_MA

NAL, but from what I've read, you should send a written demand. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

AF
asking_for_friend_employee_question

NAL, but from what I've read, you should document everything. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

AH
anon_homeowner_2026

Following this thread — I'm in a very similar situation. Would love to hear how it turns out.

FT
first_time_parent_2024

NAL, but from what I've read, you should send a written demand. That said, definitely get a lawyer to look at the specifics.

SM
SeniorDevMike_PDX

I've dealt with this before.

I ended up having everything documented, which cost about $3-6 but saved me a lot more in the long run.

AB
AgentBroker_TX

I went through almost the exact same thing.

What worked for me was hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. It took 2-4 months but was worth it.

TF
throwaway_freelancer_NC

This happened to me too. Have you tried filing a complaint with the relevant agency? In my case they investigated and it got resolved without needing a lawyer.

SB
SmallBizOwner_NYC

I've dealt with this before.

In my case, it took about 1-3 months to resolve. The key was escalating to a supervisor/manager.

CM
ContractorMike_CA

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is hiring an attorney to send the initial letter. I'd recommend being patient with the process instead.

JC
just_curious_trader_WA

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

DT
desperate_tenant_CO

I had a similar issue and ended up consulting with an attorney. It was worth the $200-300 for the initial consultation just to understand my rights.

CA
CorpCounsel_Amy

I've seen this play out several times in my field.

The biggest mistake people make in this situation is filing with the appropriate government agency. I'd recommend gathering evidence first instead.

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