Non-Solicitation Clause

Prevents a party from recruiting or poaching the other party's employees, clients, or customers for a specified period after the contract ends.

What it means

A non-solicitation clause stops you from poaching your former employer's clients, customers, or employees for a set period after you leave. It's narrower than a non-compete, you can work wherever you want, you just can't take people with you.

How it works in practice

You leave an accounting firm where you managed 30 client relationships worth $800,000/year in revenue. Your non-solicitation clause says you can't solicit those clients for 18 months. You can work at a competing firm. You can even serve those clients if they come to you on their own. What you can't do is reach out to them and say 'I've moved, follow me.' That distinction between soliciting and responding matters.

When you need it

Sharing employees or team members with contractors, agencies, or partners
Employment agreements for roles with direct client relationships
Business partnerships where both parties have valuable customer bases
Consulting engagements where the consultant meets your key staff or clients

When you might skip it

Contracts with no employee or customer interaction between parties
Short-term projects with minimal relationship exposure

Found in these contract types

Employment Agreement Partnership Agreement Consulting Agreement

Related legal terms

Non-Compete Clause

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.