HOW TO PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS SINCE NON-COMPETES HAVE BEEN BANNED IN MINNESOTA

NEW LAW

As of January 1, 2023, Minnesota businesses are prohibited from noncompete agreements restricting employees or independent contractors from working for any business after termination. The only exceptions where non-competes are allowed are during the sale of the business or dissolution of a business. While the law is not retroactive, businesses are understandably concerned about protecting their legitimate interests.

WHAT CAN YOUR BUSINESS DO TO PROTECT ITS INTERESTS?

The new law does not ban non-solicitation agreements or confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements or agreements to protect trade secrets.

NON-SOLICITATION AGREEMENTS:

Your business should prepare non-solicitation agreements that prohibit key employees or independent contractors from soliciting its customers or employees for one to two years after termination of employment or services. Minnesota courts will generally not enforce any provisions longer than one to two years and it is important to provide appropriate consideration to the parties entering these non-solicitation agreements. While this is a form of a restrictive covenant, the law specifically allows a business to protect its interests in its customers and employees.

NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS REGARDING CONFIDENTIALITY AND TRADE SECRETS:

Employers should refocus on comprehensive non-disclosure provisions related to any confidential or trade secret information. Employers should review handbooks and agreements with employees and independent contractors to ensure provisions related to confidentiality and trade secrets include post-termination provisions. Minnesota courts will generally allow a longer timeframe to protect confidential/trade secret information and three years is a safe time.

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We're Hiring

By Chad Mckenney • February 6, 2026

WHO WE ARE Donohue McKenney Ltd. is a full-service law firm in Maple Grove, Minnesota, providing comprehensive legal services to business and individual clients throughout the Twin Cities and nationwide since 1994. Our practice areas include business law, construction law, employment law, real estate, estate planning, probate, family law, personal injury, and civil litigation. Visit dmlawltd.com for additional information. POSITION OVERVIEW We are seeking an experienced Legal Assistant or Paralegal to join our team, providing support to our family law and civil litigation attorney. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment and can effectively manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Case Management & Administration • Assist in all aspects of family law and civil litigation matters • Maintain attorney's calendar and coordinate phone calls, meetings, depositions, mediations, and court appearances • Monitor intake of new matters and schedule consultations with attorneys • Ensure proper docketing and timely filing of all court papers • Track case progress, deadlines, and procedural requirements • Maintain organized case files with all relevant documents, pleadings, and correspondence Document Preparation & Filing • Draft, prepare, proofread, and review legal documents including pleadings, correspondence, deeds, and estate planning documents • File and eFile documents with courts and governmental offices Client Relations • Conduct new client intake calls and gather essential case information • Create and update client and matter records in case management database • Communicate case status updates and upcoming deadlines to clients and respond to client questions • Gather information from clients to respond to discovery requests Research & Support • Research and compile case-related documentation, reports, and billing summaries • Organize discovery materials and evidence • Assist in hearing and trial preparation • Perform various clerical duties including routing mail and screening calls/emails QUALIFICATIONS Required • Minimum 2 years of administrative assistant experience • Knowledge of Minnesota state court procedures and e-filing systems or willingness to learn • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, case management software, and legal research tools. Willingness to learn unfamiliar software. • Exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines • Strong interpersonal skills and team collaboration abilities • Self-motivated with a positive, professional, can-do attitude • Commitment to strict confidentiality Preferred • Legal Assistant or Paralegal experience • Experience with family and domestic law matters COMPENSATION & BENEFITS • Competitive salary based on experience • Medical, Dental, HSA, and 401K options • Flexible/hybrid schedule available after initial training period TO APPLY Please send your resume to Info@dmlawltd.com We are not accepting search firm submissions for this position. Please apply directly.