Pretzel & Stouffer Partner Will Discuss Recent Legal Changes to Non-Compete Clauses During Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Event Feb. 10

Partner Jim Sipchen will present at a Feb. 10 program on recent developments in Illinois business law sponsored by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Law Forum.

During the program, Mr. Sipchen will discuss the effects of the Illinois Supreme Court’s recent decision in Arredondo v. Reliable Fire Equipment Company on employee non-compete contracts. The court held in the case that an employer must show that there is a legitimate business interest before a court will enforce a restrictive covenant in an employment contract, overturning two recent Illinois Appellate Court decisions that had rejected the legitimate business interest test.

The Supreme Court decision has significant ramifications for employers who want to hire away talent from competitors or protect themselves from competition from former employees. Mr. Sipchen will address the legal and practical issues the decision raises and answer questions from the audience.

The event will also include presentations on recent changes to the law regarding workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance. The free program takes place at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, 200 E. Randolph St., from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For more information or to register, visit the Chamber of Commerce’s website.