Non-compete agreements are a hotly debated issue in employment law. Employers and employees always want to know how to get out of a non-compete in Arizona. As an employee, you may feel trapped by restrictions that limit your ability to earn a living. However, if you run a business, these agreements help protect it. While getting out of these...
Continue ReadingAt Shields Petitti & Zoldan, PLC, we help Arizona employees and employers navigate difficult workplace disputes. One of the most common questions we hear is, What happens if you violate a non-compete agreement? Depending on your circumstances, a breaching party may have to pay the other party or comply with a court order restricting their business activities. The best...
Continue ReadingSometimes, the connection between an employee and employer does not end after a job termination, such as when an employee signed a non-compete or non-solicitation agreement that affects their future employment. There are many differences between non-compete vs. non-solicitation provisions (also called restrictive covenant provisions). Choosing the right provision is critical when deciding which is the right tool for...
Continue ReadingImagine you’ve just received a promising job offer, a significant step up in your career. As you review the hiring paperwork, you come across a non-compete agreement. Signing it could limit your future employment options, but not signing might mean missing out on an incredible opportunity. This single document creates a wave of uncertainty, leaving you to question what...
Continue ReadingYou left your old job. A better offer came along—maybe higher pay, a healthier culture, or a shot at something bigger. But then you remembered the paperwork you signed months ago: a non-compete clause buried in the onboarding packet. Now you’re asking, Can I work for a competitor if I signed a non-compete agreement? In Arizona, the answer is...
Continue ReadingYour employer hands the promotion you earned to someone less qualified. They pay coworkers with the same title more than you. They write you up or exclude you after you speak up about a workplace issue. Your employer is not just treating you differently; your employer is treating you unfairly. And now you wonder if it is more than...
Continue ReadingThe first time your paycheck does not arrive, you might think there has been a clerical error. The second time, it starts to feel personal. By the third time, you are likely wondering, Can I sue my employer for not paying me? In Arizona, the answer is often yes. State and federal laws protect employees from wage theft, intentional...
Continue ReadingNot all prejudice is obvious. When an employer targets you because of your race—whether by dismissing your voice in meetings, passing you over for promotions, or punishing you more harshly than others—the impact can be subtle but devastating. In these situations, employees are usually left with at least one question: How long do you have to sue an employer...
Continue ReadingImagine this: It is Tuesday afternoon. Your star employee, typically filled with creativity and enthusiasm, walks into your office. Today, she is withdrawn, with her eyes downcast and her usual spark missing. She hesitates, then quietly mentions experiencing unwanted advances from a colleague. Your heart sinks. Could you have prevented this? The Phoenix employment attorneys at Shields Petitti &...
Continue ReadingWhen you speak out at work—whether to report harassment, discrimination, or unethical behavior—you might expect some awkwardness or discomfort. But what if that tension starts to feel targeted or even punitive? That is when you need to pay attention to the signs of retaliation at work. Workplace retaliation is not always a slam-door spectacle. Sometimes, it hides in subtle...
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