Was hoping to get the views of you enlightened folk around non-competes, specifically on relatively junior consultant grade staff. My firm has a blanket 6 month non-compete for working with former clients. I have an offer to take up a permanent role with my current client, would offer a step up in seniority/prospects/package. Do firms typically enforce non-competes on junior staff? I believe by letter of my contract they [i]could[/i] do so, but while I've heard of threats I've not personally seen it happen. I'm sure some of you have probably employed juniors and seen this from the other perspective, any wisdom to share?

Almost zero chance of them enforcing this - and it's even difficult to do so from a legal perspective. In fact it will be most likely the opposite. There is a huge benefit in having you a "happy leaver" and an advocate for the firm in the client. Leave well, don't burn your bridges and enjoy the next step in your career.B4D

Thanks B4D - encouraging to hear as this is consistent with what I've observed.

[quote]Almost zero chance of them enforcing this - and it's even difficult to do so from a legal perspective. In fact it will be most likely the opposite. There is a huge benefit in having you a "happy leaver" and an advocate for the firm in the client. Leave well, don't burn your bridges and enjoy the next step in your career.B4D[/quote]+1It's boilerplate clause to provide a remedy in law in needed (which is rarely is anyway, and very hard to enforce).

[quote]Was hoping to get the views of you enlightened folk around non-competes, specifically on relatively junior consultant grade staff. My firm has a blanket 6 month non-compete for working with former clients. I have an offer to take up a permanent role with my current client, would offer a step up in seniority/prospects/package. Do firms typically enforce non-competes on junior staff? I believe by letter of my contract they [i]could[/i] do so, but while I've heard of threats I've not personally seen it happen. I'm sure some of you have probably employed juniors and seen this from the other perspective, any wisdom to share? [/quote]There's very little chance of them enforcing your non-compete. Even when I'm working on Partner level work, firms are usually reluctant to get into a legal pow-wow over non compete agreements as they are more interested in maintaining the client relationship.I wouldn't worry if I were you.Good luck!

Thanks for the advise all. If all goes ahead I'll be sure to let you know if it worked out, or if I'm being sued for my negative bank balance :)