Legal Question in Employment Law in New York

In September, I left a company I had been with for 5 years. I was asked to sign a non compete agreement. It was an emotional day, and I regrettably did so without reading it. I know that is a huge mistake, but I was upset.

Now, I am being approached by a similar company. I asked my old job for a copy of the non compete, and was sent a confidentiality agreement. I am pretty sure I only signed one form that day.

Upon mentioning this to my former boss, and requesting any and all paperwork pertaining to my termination, I am being told he was advised not to speak with me regarding my employment.

I requested his lawyers information, and was denied.

So, now there may or may not be a non compete, and I am being denied any information. How do I go about getting that information?


Asked on 2/03/10, 12:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jason Stern Law Offices of Jason Stern

Your question serves as an excellent lesson for all employees who part ways with their employers and are asked to sign papers on the spot. Any termination, be it a layoff, firing or quitting requires a time for reflection. The last thing an employee should do is sign anything without reading it thoroughly and reviewing it with your own counsel or severance attorney.

In your case, a certified letter to your former employer requesting a copy of any outstanding legal obligations on your part should result in them sending you a copy of your non-compete.

Hiring an attorney to call may produce even quicker results.

Good luck,

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Answered on 2/08/10, 2:31 pm


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