Russell Beck was quoted by Le Monde in a recent article about noncompete agreements. The article is titled “Des clauses de non-concurrence imposées aux employés,” which translates to “Non-competition clauses imposed on employees.”

The story focuses on the proliferation of noncompete agreements for workers across the income spectrum, and analyzes the impact of such covenants on worker mobility. A translated version of the article (which is written in French), describes Russell Beck’s work in this area as follows:

The non-competition clauses added to contracts of employment were formerly reserved for very senior managers to prevent them from revealing the secrets of the company or to leave with the valuable contacts of the big customers. But today, the number of signatories of such clauses has widened. Attorney Russell Beck of Beck, Reed, Riden, spends 70% of his time dealing with this type of matter for employees and employers.

Russell is quoted in the article as follows:

Mr. Beck, who is from time to time on the employer side at the courthouse, understands their point of view. “We live in an information economy. These secrets that move so easily from a computer to the phone and the cloud are more difficult to protect,” he explains. The lawyer acknowledged, however, that certain staff should be spared. It would be better, said the lawyer, to propose a simple clause of non-solicitation of former clients, or even non-solicitation of ex-colleagues. “It gives employees a lot more freedom,“ says Beck.

The article was published on June 26, 2017.

For up-to-the-minute analysis of legal issues concerning noncompete agreements in Massachusetts and across the United States, read Russell Beck’s blog, Fair Competition Law.

eck Reed Riden LLP is among the leading authorities in trade secret, noncompete, and unfair competition law, and our experience handling these matters is backed by our extensive employment law and business litigation experience. Our hand-picked team combines attorneys with complementary expertise and practical experience.

The Wall Street Journal featured Beck Reed Riden LLP’s noncompete agreement experience. In 2016, the White House issued a report entitled, “Non-Compete Agreements: Analysis of the Usage, Potential Issues, and State Responses,” relying in part on Beck Reed Riden LLP’s research and analysis, including its 50 State Noncompete Survey.

Russell Beck’s work in this area is well recognized; it includes:

  • Over sixteen years of working on trade secret, noncompete, and unfair competition matters

  • Authoring the book Negotiating, Drafting, and Enforcing Noncompetition Agreements and Related Restrictive Covenants (5th ed., MCLE, Inc. 2015), used by other lawyers to help them with their noncompete cases

  • Drafting and advising on legislation for the Massachusetts Legislature to define, codify, and improve noncompetition law

  • Teaching Trade Secrets and Restrictive Covenants at Boston University School of Law

  • Founding and administrating the award-winning blog, Fair Competition Law

  • Establishing and administrating the Noncompete Lawyers and Trade Secret Protection groups on LinkedIn, with over 750 members around the world

  • Founded and chaired the Trade Secret / Noncompete Practice for an AmLaw 100 firm

In addition, Russell was honored for his work in this area of law in the 2016 Chambers USA Guide, which explained that “Russell Beck of Beck Reed Riden LLP is highly praised by peers, who commend his “impeccable credentials,” in the employment arena, and identify him as an “expert in noncompetition and trade secret laws.”

Beck Reed Riden LLP is Boston’s innovative litigation boutique. Our lawyers have years of experience at large law firms, working with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and individuals. We focus on business litigation and labor and employment. We are experienced litigators and counselors, helping our clients as business partners to resolve issues and develop strategies that best meet our clients’ legal and business needs – before, during, and after litigation. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help you. Read more about us, the types of matters we handle, and what we can do for you here.