Non Solicitation Lawyer in Brooklyn, NY
A non-solicitation agreement in Brooklyn is a legally binding contract restricting an employee or business partner from soliciting clients, customers, or employees after a relationship ends. Violations can lead to injunctions and significant damages. As a Non Solicitation Lawyer Brooklyn, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides strategic counsel to enforce or defend against these restrictive covenants under New York law. We offer 24/7 phone consultations.
New York Law on Non-Solicitation Agreements
Non-solicitation agreements in New York are governed by common law principles of contract and equity, as they are not codified in a single statute like non-compete agreements. Their enforceability hinges on being reasonable in scope, duration, and geographic area to protect a legitimate business interest, such as trade secrets or customer relationships. Courts in New York, including the Kings County Supreme Court, will scrutinize these agreements to ensure they are not overly broad or punitive.
Last verified: April 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a founder’s direct involvement to complex business disputes. Mr. Sris’s background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in cases involving technical or financial client lists.
Official Legal Resources
For the primary statutes informing business torts and unfair competition related to solicitation, refer to the New York General Business Law (official New York State Senate). For court procedures and filing information in Brooklyn, visit the Kings County Supreme Court website.
Brooklyn Court Procedures for Non-Solicitation Disputes
Enforcement or defense of a non-solicitation agreement in Brooklyn typically begins in the Kings County Supreme Court, Commercial Division. The process is adversarial and moves quickly. A key local procedural fact is that New York courts strongly disfavor contracts that restrain trade, placing a high burden on the party seeking enforcement to prove the restriction is necessary and reasonable.
- Case Evaluation: An attorney reviews the agreement, the alleged breach, and the claimed damages to assess case strength.
- Demand & Response: A cease-and-desist letter is often sent, outlining claims and demanding compliance before filing suit.
- Filing & Service: If unresolved, a Complaint is filed with the Kings County Supreme Court and formally served on the defendant.
- Preliminary Injunction Motion: The plaintiff may immediately seek a court order to stop the solicitation activity during the lawsuit.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange evidence. Most cases settle during this phase based on the revealed facts.
- Trial or Final Resolution: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to a bench trial before a judge.
Potential Consequences of Violation
In Brooklyn, violating a valid non-solicitation agreement can lead to court-ordered injunctions, monetary damages for lost profits, and liability for the legal fees incurred to enforce the contract.
| Action | Legal Classification | Primary Remedy | Financial Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breach of Contract | Civil Cause of Action | Monetary Damages | Compensatory damages for lost profits; possibly punitive. |
| Unfair Competition | Business Tort | Injunction & Damages | Court order to stop solicitation; damages for unjust enrichment. |
| Misappropriation | Trade Secret Violation | Injunction & Damages | Potentially severe damages under both contract and statute. |
| Preliminary Injunction | Equitable Relief | Immediate Court Order | Legal costs for both sides; business disruption. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Authority in Business Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years, grounded in a philosophy of Advocacy Without Borders. We approach each non-solicitation matter with a focus on our client’s specific business objectives, whether that requires aggressive litigation to protect a company’s assets or a strategic defense to preserve an individual’s career mobility.
Our Approach to Non-Solicitation Cases
We have handled numerous business disputes involving restrictive covenants. Our approach is to first seek a pragmatic resolution that avoids costly litigation. When settlement is not possible, we prepare meticulously for court, focusing on the specific facts that demonstrate the reasonableness (or overreach) of the non-solicitation clause in question.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Brooklyn Non Solicitation Law Firm
If you need a Non Solicitation Attorney Brooklyn for enforcement or defense, our firm is accessible. Our New York location serves clients at Kings County courts. We represent businesses and professionals across Brooklyn neighborhoods including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Non Solicitation Lawyer Brooklyn FAQ
Are non-solicitation agreements enforceable in New York?
Yes, but they are strictly scrutinized. New York courts will enforce a non-solicitation agreement only if it is reasonable in time, geographic scope, and is necessary to protect a legitimate business interest, such as trade secrets or substantial customer relationships.
What is the difference between non-solicitation and non-compete?
It depends on the restriction. A non-compete agreement prohibits any competitive work within an industry and area. A non-solicitation agreement is narrower, prohibiting only the solicitation of specific former clients, customers, or employees, but allows working for a competitor.
What happens if I violate a non-solicitation agreement?
You could be sued for breach of contract. The former employer can seek a court order (injunction) to stop you immediately and sue for monetary damages equal to the profits they lost due to your solicitation, plus their attorney’s fees if the contract allows it.
How long does a non-solicitation agreement last?
The duration must be reasonable. While there is no fixed rule, courts in New York often find periods of six months to two years to be reasonable, depending on the industry, the employee’s role, and the time it takes for customer relationships to fade.
Can I negotiate a non-solicitation agreement before signing?
Yes. You should always review any restrictive covenant with an attorney before signing. Key negotiable terms often include the duration of the restriction, its geographic scope, and the specific definition of who constitutes a “client” or “customer” you cannot solicit.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our New York Business Lawyer hub. We also assist with related matters like Civil Litigation in Brooklyn and Contract Law in Brooklyn.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Under N.Y. Bus. Corp. Law § 101, state law governs this practice area.