Konopka Talks Noncompete Ban, Employer Preparation in Kansas City Business Journal Article

06.02.2023

Stinson LLP Partner Pat Konopka is featured in a recent Kansas City Business Journal article, "KC-area lawyer: You can still protect legitimate interests without a noncompete." The article details the impact the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) newly proposed ban on noncompetes will have on employers and how they should prepare.

Although it remains uncertain whether the FTC rule will take effect as proposed, Konopka cautions employers not to wait until the FTC announces a final rule. "Employers should, at a minimum, take stock of what agreements they have in place, make a list of the types and with whom they have those agreements."

She addresses the immediate risks employers will face if the FTC enacts a ban on noncompetes and provides insight into how employers can prepare, including considering the kinds of agreements needed to protect legitimate interests and the use and enforcement of a confidentiality agreement.

The comment period for the new FTC rule closed April 19, 2023. The new rule could go into effect as early as October 2023. The agency is now considering whether to revise the rule before it is enacted.

Konopka has experience working with employers in a wide range of industries, including live entertainment and sports arenas, accounting, banking, retail, manufacturers, health care companies and wireless networking companies. She litigates employment-related lawsuits to help clients resolve disputes effectively and efficiently and regularly advises clients to ensure their employment policies and practices meet legal requirements. Konopka also counsels employers on all aspects of employment law and human resources practices and regularly conducts and directs internal investigations of alleged misconduct by employees, as well as claims by employees of harassment or discrimination.

Sign in to the Kansas City Business Journal to read the full article.