Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Re: Non compete agreement

I respectfully disagree with my colleagues. While it is true that California is an "at-will" State, meaning employers do not need good cause to fire employees, they cannot fire someone for a reason which violates public policy. Non-compete provisions are against public policy in California. To fire an employee for refusing to agree to an illegal provision is a wrongful termination. However, there are some very limited exceptions to non-compete clauses, so before making a decision on what to do, have it looked over by an experienced employment law attorney first.

Re: Non compete agreement

In California, all employment is "at will" unless otherwise contracted. As a result, you can be fired for any reason (including not signing the non-compete agreement), or for no reason at all.

The exception is where the parties agree by contract, or if the termination is for some improper purpose, including advising a governmental agency of violations of the law, or discrimination/harassment.

Re: Non compete agreement

Yes they can but don�t worry about signing because non-compete agreements are illegal in CA and no court will enforce it.