Enforcing Restrictive Covenants

Including restrictive covenants in employment contracts is an important way to protect your business. Covenants can be used in various ways but generally focus on preventing others from gaining an unfair advantage. We advise clients on an appropriate strategy, guiding on enforceability and drafting robust restrictions. If a covenant is breached, our experienced litigators will advise you on the best way to enforce these restrictions and protect your business.

Five lawyers discussing restrictive covenant laws

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Safeguarding your business interests

Restrictive covenants, if implemented correctly, create a clear framework for both parties, setting out what can and can’t be done after an individual leaves the business. Our employment specialists advise on drafting covenants correctly and with a clear strategy in mind, to ensure that they are enforceable should the need arise.

There are four general types of covenants – non-competition, non-solicitation, non-dealing and non-poaching – care should be taken to choose the most appropriate one(s). We have advised numerous businesses on the implementation of restrictions, making sure that they are relevant and proportionate to seniority of the role. Our advice also considers the standard approach to covenants in your industry, ensuring that they are clearly drafted and that the restrictions are not too wide.

Enforcing restrictive covenants

Our specialist litigation solicitors advise on the credibility of your evidence and whether the covenants in place are likely to be enforceable. If a covenant has been breached, we can advise on the best course of action including seeking an injunction or damages to compensate for lost business. We have specialist lawyers within our team who focus on this area, making sure proceedings are initiated swiftly and effectively.

We often coordinate court ordered searches, if vital confidential information is at risk, to allow the seizure and forensic examination of electronic devices and equipment and prevent further harm being caused. On other occasions we have been able to guide our clients to a swift resolution without the need for court proceedings. We regularly help a range of organisations to successfully resolve restrictive covenant disputes including recruitment companies, energy suppliers, PR and marketing agencies, architects and financial services firms. Our team also acts for individuals, assessing the enforceability of their restrictive covenants and challenging or renegotiating the restrictions.

Services from our Dispute Resolution team

Recognition of our work

Investors in People

Investors in People

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

Legal 500 2026 – Top Tier Firm

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Stewart is very smart; it’s always a pleasure working with him. He is always thinking about the strategic considerations of a case.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Natalie is a very good litigator who is very dedicated to her clients and incredibly hard-working.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Kate continues to provide an excellent service. She combines a strong knowledge base with an excellent understanding of what clients are seeking to achieve.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Elizabeth Beatty is very well respected when it comes to large shareholder disputes. She is trusted by clients and judges and respected by opponents.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Dominic Hopkins is simply an excellent lawyer – reassuringly old-school and extremely commercially astute.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Ben is very sound, very solid, very thorough and a safe pair of hands.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Andrew is a very experienced individual with a great breadth and depth of knowledge. He is always personable and focused on getting results for the client.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

Adam Finch always has a strong grip on matters at every stage.

Client testimonial Chambers 2026

We would like to take this final opportunity to thank you for all your help, patience and advice in getting the matter successfully settled. You have always been there when we have been in need, with guidance, diplomacy and patience which has helped us so much. It has been a difficult time and such a relief that it is now settled.

Client testimonial Business dispute

We spent years looking for a team with the correct expertise, professionalism, drive and responsiveness to handle our complex legal matter and dispute. This team was exactly that. Had they not been instructed we likely wouldn’t have reached a resolution at all, never mind one that was thorough and legally sound.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Natalie Minott is an exceptional lawyer with a unique set of skills that set her apart from most lawyers that I have ever come across. She is technically excellent, responsive, level headed and professional and has the drive and expertise to lead a dispute to an appropriate resolution that both takes the stress away from her clients and shows real value.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

Andrew Walker has been growing the team across the firm’s offices to become a more significant player in the property/real estate litigation market; their locations and team mean they are able to offer a good balance between expertise and cost efficiency.

Client testimonial Legal 500 2026

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