How a Nasty Non-Compete Clause Took a NYC Chef by Surprise.
Don’t get stuck like this chef! If you don’t have an employment lawyer read your employment contract, you could fall victim to crippling non-compete clauses.
Now usually we like to share stories from our members but we couldn’t help ourselves with this one. This is a classic example of “didn’t have an employment lawyer read my employment contract before signing” whoopsies.
In an article published by the New York Post, high-profile chef Adam Leonti fell victim to an incredibly harsh non-compete clause in his employment contract with the Williamsburg Hotel.
The non-compete clause prohibited Leonti from working at any other food-service establishment in New York City for an entire year if he left. An entire year! For NYC chefs, that type of restriction is outrageous. Leonti signed on to be the executive chef at Harvey, a to-be-opened restaurant at the Williamsburg Hotel. When the opening of Harvey fell way behind schedule, Leonti left and eventually joined the team at Soho’s 60 Thompson Hotel, Sessanta. Were the owners of the Williamsburg Hotel upset? Upset is an understatement. They sued Leonti for violating his non-compete clause and now the poor guy is in Berlin waiting it out (and hoping that this highly publicized legal scandal fades away). If you want to read more, our friends at Eater wrote a fantastic and detailed article on all the drama.
Non-compete clauses can be devastating, certainly for chefs and any employees really, because they prevent employees from pursuing their livelihood after leaving an employer. Most non-compete clauses prohibit employees from working in the same industry for a period of time and in certain states, are actually not even enforceable.
Lesson learned. Have an employment lawyer read your contract before signing. If you need an employment lawyer, reach out to WMN Legal and we will match you with a top-notch female employment attorney in your state who is part of the WMN Legal Affiliated Attorney Network.
You don’t need to retain a law firm and pay outrageous fees anymore. Our attorneys can work hourly and are affordable.
Disclaimer: The above article was not written by a lawyer and not intended to be used as legal advice. Talk to a real lawyer! See how WMN Legal can help.
Posted In: Legal Tips