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.

Recognition of our work

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Hear what our clients say about us

We were impressed with the manner in which both Steven and Ian were quickly able to appreciate and understand the key commercial and family dynamic issues and turn this into a transparent and effective strategy. Throughout the whole process, they presented a professional and firmly assertive approach which resulted in a settlement being achieved in an excellently negotiated manner.

We would have no hesitation, and indeed it is a great pleasure, in recommending HCR to any prospective client, as they provide an increasingly rare commodity – effective litigation combined with integrity, transparency, competitive fees and excellent client communication.

Client testimonial Dispute resolution

I want to thank Ian for all his time, patience & efforts. He has been a delight to deal with, and I would recommend his services to anyone in need of them.

Client testimonial Restrictive Covenants Dispute

Tom Williams is also noted, focusing on disputes over the supply of goods and service as well as the enforcement of restrictive covenants.

Legal 500 2025 Dispute Resolution

HCR Law’s disputes knowledge is diverse, with experience in unfair prejudice, contractual and shareholder disputes.

Legal 500 2025 Dispute Resolution

HCR Law is well versed in the intricacies of technology focused commercial disputes, and has also demonstrated an ability to work across jurisdictions and handle disputes with international elements.

The Legal 500 2025 Dispute Resolution

Tom Williams at HCR Law successfully contested the contract and negotiated an excellent outcome.

Client testimonial Dispute Resolution

Tahlia is acting for us in relation to a £7 million claim. She is guiding us through the litigation process brilliantly and is adept, well-connected and an excellent communicator.

The claim is technically complex, and Tahlia’s immense knowledge and experience makes navigating the difficult landscape of litigation much easier.

She has been great at helping us navigate some significant challenges that have arisen, is organised and keeps a keen eye on costs.

Client Claim in the Technology and Construction court

It was a tough time for the business, having to deal with this dispute in the middle of a pandemic, but with the assistance of Harrison Clark Rickerbys, it was a great relief that a resolution was eventually reached at mediation. Now the business can look forward to the future with a fresh start.

We found Steve Murray to be very professional and focused on the real issues of the dispute and not distracted by anything not relevant. Steve was able to appreciate and understand the many challenging issues that a family business has.

At times it was getting difficult for us to deal with all the bogus accusations, but each time I discussed anything with Steve over the phone, I always felt more positive, which was a great help. I would not hesitate to highly recommend Steve and his team for any dispute that cannot be easily resolved.

Client Family business in Gloucestershire

Simon managed an extremely difficult and acrimonious dispute with my former partner over a period of several years. Throughout this time he was extraordinarily pro-active and supportive whilst acting as a much needed, and very effective conduit, or barrier, between myself and the third party.

His advice was clear and first-class, and without his guidance throughout the case I have no doubt that the outcome would have been very different. Communication was excellent at all times, and he responded almost immediately to any queries I raised.

I feel very fortunate to have been represented by Simon, and I am extremely grateful to him for his time, patience and wisdom. I have recommended him to a number of clients and colleagues, and shall continue to do so.

Client Successful dispute over property and finances

We worked with Claire on a complicated family company dispute where, at times, emotions ran high.

Claire took the time to understand our needs and worked closely and diligently with us, and a suitable settlement was reached.

Throughout the case, Claire was professional and proficient and always took the time to explain each step in lay language, which meant we always felt a part of the process.

Claire is an excellent solicitor with brilliant interpersonal skills and empathy. I would highly recommend her to anyone who requires an experienced dispute lawyer.

Client Dispute within a family run business

I am extremely appreciative of the outstanding legal representation provided by Claire. Her expertise in handling my professional negligence matter was evident throughout the entire process. Not only was she highly professional and knowledgeable, but she was also very kind and understanding. She skilfully navigated the complexities of the case, always keeping me informed and addressing my concerns.

What impresses me the most was her honesty and level-headedness – she never made unrealistic promises, but instead provided a clear and accurate assessment of the situation and was careful to manage expectations. Her unwavering support and genuine care made a difficult time much more manageable. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking legal representation.

Client Professional Negligence Claim

Over the last year or so, we have instructed Elizabeth Beatty to act for us on several complex litigation matters. She has provided an outstanding service. She is proactive, responsive, and technically gifted. The support given to us has been exemplary.

We have benefitted greatly from her knowledge, expertise, commerciality and overall understanding of our business and its objectives. We have been very happy with our experiences with HCR in general and Elizabeth in particular.

Tim O'Gorman – General Counsel and Company Secretary Halfords Group Plc

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