Drafting an effective noncompete agreement.

Noncompete agreements, which restrict the right of an employee to leave an employer and transfer to a competitor, are an effective deterrent against employee raiding. Such agreements, however, must be carefully prepared if they are to effectively protect a company's investment in its employees and customers. It should be drafted in simple and clear English, and clearly define and describe the geographic area and the period of time wherein an employee is not allowed to work for a competitor. A noncompete agreement should narrow restrictions to avoid charges that it is preventing an employee