Non-Compete Agreement Attorneys for Employers and Employees Across North Texas
Non-compete agreements are one of the most litigated areas of employment law in Texas. Employers rely on them to protect client relationships, proprietary information, and competitive advantage when employees leave. Employees often face them at the start of a new job or when transitioning to a competitor. When these agreements are drafted poorly or enforced aggressively, disputes follow quickly.
Hanshaw Kennedy Hafen has handled non-compete matters on both sides for over 20 years. We draft agreements for employers that are structured to hold up in Texas courts, and we represent employees who are facing agreements that may be overbroad or unenforceable. We also litigate non-compete disputes when negotiation is not enough, including injunction proceedings that can move on a very short timeline.
Our attorneys serve clients across Dallas, Collin, and Denton Counties from our office in Frisco. Whether you need an agreement drafted, reviewed before you sign, or litigated in court, we have the experience to handle it.
Practice Areas
Contact
1415 Legacy Drive, Suite 350 Frisco, TX 75034
972-731-6500
info@hanshawkennedy.com
How Non-Compete Law Works in Texas
Texas enforces non-compete agreements, but only when they meet specific requirements under the Texas Covenants Not to Compete Act. To be enforceable, a non-compete must be part of an otherwise enforceable agreement, supported by adequate consideration such as access to confidential information, trade secrets, or specialized training, and reasonable in its limitations on time, geographic scope, and the scope of activity restricted.
Courts in Texas have the authority to reform, or “blue pencil,” an overbroad non-compete rather than void it entirely. That means an agreement with an unreasonably wide geographic scope or an excessive duration may still be enforced in a narrowed form. For employers, this underscores the value of drafting agreements carefully from the start. For employees, it means that even a flawed agreement may carry some legal weight.
Non-compete disputes often move fast. An employer seeking to stop a former employee from working for a competitor can pursue a temporary restraining order on very short notice. If you are on either side of an active or anticipated non-compete dispute, getting legal counsel involved early is critical.
We Handle Non-Compete Matters for Both Employers and Employees
For employers, we draft non-compete and non-solicitation agreements that are enforceable under Texas law, tailored to the specific role, industry, and competitive risks involved. A well-drafted agreement protects your business without creating unnecessary exposure if challenged. We also advise on when and how to enforce an agreement when a former employee crosses the line, including when injunctive relief is warranted.
For employees, we review non-compete agreements before you sign them, explain what the terms actually mean for your career, and negotiate better terms when there is room to do so. If you are already bound by an agreement and facing enforcement action, we assess the agreement’s validity under Texas law and build the strongest possible defense.
Because we work on both sides, we bring a perspective to each engagement that a firm representing only employers or only employees cannot match.
Non-Compete Agreement FAQs
Are non-compete agreements enforceable in Texas?
Yes, but they must meet specific requirements to hold up in court. Under the Texas Covenants Not to Compete Act, a non-compete must be ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement, supported by adequate consideration, and reasonable in its restrictions on time, geography, and scope of activity. Agreements that are overly broad can be reformed by a court rather than voided entirely, so even a problematic non-compete may carry partial legal effect.
What makes a non-compete agreement unenforceable in Texas?
Common grounds for challenging a non-compete in Texas include lack of adequate consideration, restrictions that are unreasonably broad in duration or geographic scope, restrictions that go beyond what is necessary to protect a legitimate business interest, and failure to properly connect the agreement to confidential information or specialized training. Texas courts look at the specific facts of each case, so the outcome depends heavily on how the agreement is written and how it was presented to the employee.
How long can a non-compete last in Texas?
There is no fixed statutory maximum, but Texas courts generally view durations of one to two years as reasonable for most employees. Longer restrictions may be enforceable for senior executives or employees with access to highly sensitive information, but they are more likely to be challenged and reformed. Duration is evaluated alongside geographic scope and the scope of restricted activity as part of an overall reasonableness analysis.
What should I do if my employer is threatening to enforce a non-compete against me?
Contact an attorney before you take any action, change jobs, or communicate further with your employer about the matter. The enforceability of the agreement depends on how it was drafted and the specific circumstances of your situation. An attorney can assess the agreement, advise you on your exposure, and help you understand your options before you make any decisions that could affect the outcome.
What happened with the FTC's attempted ban on non-compete agreements?
n 2024, the Federal Trade Commission issued a rule that would have broadly banned most non-compete agreements nationwide. That rule was blocked by federal courts before it took effect, and as of 2026 it has not been enforced. Non-compete agreements remain fully governed by state law in Texas. The FTC’s rulemaking did not change the legal landscape in Texas, though the broader conversation around non-compete reform continues at both the state and federal level.
Does Texas non-compete law apply to healthcare workers and physicians?
Yes, and there are additional considerations specific to the healthcare industry. Texas has provisions that apply specifically to physician non-competes, including requirements around buyout rights and access to patient care information. Healthcare-specific non-compete matters require counsel with experience in both employment law and healthcare law. HKH handles non-compete matters for healthcare organizations and physicians. See our Healthcare Law page for more detail.
Need a non-compete drafted, reviewed, or challenged?
We represent employers and employees in non-compete matters across Dallas, Collin, and Denton Counties. Call 972-731-6500 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.