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Maryland Employment Law Questions & Answers
3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Are non-compete clauses enforceable for 1099 physicians in Maryland?

I am a physician who signed a non-compete agreement as a 1099 employee in Maryland. The non-compete clause restricts me from working with competitors for 2 years. Are these types of non-compete clauses enforceable in Maryland?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Jun 2, 2025

While non-compete clauses are legal and enforceable as a general proposition, in practice it depends very much on the specific facts. The reasonableness of the time and distance limitations matter a lot. Also, a non-compete will not be upheld to prevent an employee from changing jobs in their... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Are non-compete clauses enforceable for 1099 physicians in Maryland?

I am a physician who signed a non-compete agreement as a 1099 employee in Maryland. The non-compete clause restricts me from working with competitors for 2 years. Are these types of non-compete clauses enforceable in Maryland?

Rolanzo Richard White
Rolanzo Richard White
answered on May 30, 2025

Yes, it may be binding, but it will depend on the reasonableness of the restrictions, according to MD law, and the pay and position of the contractor.

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Immigration Law for Maryland on
Q: Can my employer refuse List A documents for I-9?

I work at a franchise gym in Maryland, and our location was recently bought by a new company. During the transition, we are required to fill out a new I-9 form. The new company is insisting that all employees submit documentation from both List B and List C, despite the I-9 form allowing for the... View More

Adan Vega
Adan Vega
answered on May 14, 2025

The short answer is no. Please see the following guidance:

Anti-Discrimination Notice: Employers must allow all employees to choose which acceptable documentation to present for Form I-9.

Employers cannot ask employees for documentation to verify information entered in Section 1,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Maryland on
Q: What is the minimum reasonable hours per week for part time employees according to the law considering 39.999 is the max

In the spirit and intent of minimum wage is there minimum hours per week an employer shall provide for part time employment according to the law ?

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Aug 31, 2024

Maryland law does not set any kind of minimum hours per week for part-time employees. It is up to the employer and employee to determine the schedule. Except for a few limited exceptions, minimum wage is not dependent on the number of hours worked and applies whether an employee works 1 or 40... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Maryland on
Q: I work for private doctor's office. Can they make an employee use vacation time for a lunch time that you do not get

paid for when you work, when you are on vacation?

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on May 15, 2024

If you have an employment contract that will be the first place you will want to look for the answer. In Maryland, employers are not required to give you a lunch break unless you a minor (under 18 years of age). Maryland employers are also not required to issue you benefits like paid or unpaid... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Tax Law, Business Law and Social Security for Maryland on
Q: My current employer sent my form 1095C to a another employee with the same first name and exposed my SS#, can I sue?

They exposed my SS# and other private info. What recourse do I have?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 14, 2024

Discovering that your employer accidentally sent your Form 1095-C, containing sensitive information like your Social Security Number, to another employee is understandably alarming and frustrating. Such incidents can lead to concerns about privacy and the potential for identity theft. In terms of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law, Tax Law, Business Law and Social Security for Maryland on
Q: My current employer sent my form 1095C to a another employee with the same first name and exposed my SS#, can I sue?

They exposed my SS# and other private info. What recourse do I have?

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Mar 15, 2024

Perhaps there is a federal or state governmental agency that has regulatory authority to impose a fine or other sanction for failing to safeguard employees’ personally identifiable information. You would need to consult an employment lawyer in your area as to the existence of such a legal... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Personal Injury, Products Liability and Agricultural Law for Maryland on
Q: Can a former employee to a pest control company sue for improper training, poor safety equipment and working un licensed
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 26, 2024

A Maryland attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. The type of case you describe can be complex because such cases sometimes involve multiple parties in potential third party actions - you could reach out to law firms to try to set up a free initial consult. That... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law for Maryland on
Q: My employer requires me to be available 40 hrs/week, 5 days a week. I’ve only worked 5 hours. Can I find part time work?

Employer made me sign a contract and said I have to ask and be approved to work at another business within the same industry (flight instruction). There is a termination fee of $2500 if I breach the contract or quit before 12 months working for them.

Mark Oakley
Mark Oakley
answered on Feb 25, 2024

I do not believe either provision in your contract is enforceable. The financial “penalty” of $2,500 smacks of an unenforceable penalty; however, if it is tied to an actual out-of-pocket cost to the employer, such as reimbursement for a paid training course the employer incurred to train you in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Employment Law for Maryland on
Q: Can your job search your person and bags everyday before you can clock in? Does expectation of privacy go out the window
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2024

Employers may implement policies for searching employees' bags and persons as part of their efforts to protect company property, ensure workplace safety, or prevent theft. However, these searches should be conducted in a manner that respects employees' privacy rights and is consistent... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Business Law and Employment Discrimination for Maryland on
Q: I worked for a security company who subcontracted from a hospital, they received shift deferential & holiday pay not us

I represent several Security Officers who worked for a security company that subcontracted with the University of Maryland Hospital system. The company received shift deferential and holiday pay. The company does not pay it to officers. I believe that this isn't mandatory in Maryland but... View More

Kenesha A Raeford
Kenesha A Raeford
answered on Jan 22, 2024

Given that your question is one of ethics, this would be difficult to answer from a purely legal perspective. I have to refrain from providing my general opinion, but I will echo your sentiments regarding the mandatory nature of the shift deferential and holiday pay flowdown. Holiday and shift... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Employment Discrimination and Small Claims for Maryland on
Q: My job was classified as a lower role, despite me performing the same duties as the high level role. Is this legal?

During my transition from temporary hire to permanent position was rewritten as a lower role than my counterparts due to varying education levels. The job function and responsibilities are identical but I’m paid $25k less.

Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
answered on Dec 15, 2023

An employer can generally make any kind of job classification they wish, and change descriptions and set pay scales for most any reason except they cannot do this for reasons that are illegal. Setting different pay bands based on educational attainment or years in the industry is on its face... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law, Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Maryland on
Q: Employer delay in final paycheck due to alleged damage. What to do?

I worked as a medical equipment service technician and was terminated over 30 days ago. Despite my multiple attempts to contact my former employer, they have not issued my final paycheck. My boss claims the delay is because they're waiting for an estimate on a floor repair allegedly caused by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 4, 2025

You need to determine if your grandfather completed a valid gift before his death by showing he intended to give you the mower and trailer and that you took delivery—either by moving them into your possession or through some symbolic act he approved.

Because those items stayed at his home...
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2 Answers | Asked in Banking, Civil Litigation, Employment Law, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for Maryland on
Q: Can I press charges against my aunt for stealing my father’s money in Maryland?

I recently discovered that my aunt has been stealing money from my father's bank account. I found this out during a visit to the bank. The account is solely under my father's name, but I now have Power of Attorney due to my father's dementia and a prior stroke. We have proof of the... View More

Scott Scherr
Scott Scherr
answered on Jun 27, 2025

Anyone can file charges by going to the Commissioner in the county where the offense took place. You should determine how she accessed the account and take steps so that she can no longer access it.

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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Contracts for Maryland on
Q: Soccer ref unpaid in Maryland for 3 months: Employee status?

I am a soccer referee in Maryland and have not been adequately paid for the past three months. I began officiating games on March 29, 2025, under Montgomery Soccer Inc., and have only received payment once on June 1, 2025. There is no formal written agreement regarding payment, and clarification... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 25, 2025

Your relationship with Montgomery Soccer Inc. raises strong questions about whether you are legally an employee rather than an independent contractor. Maryland courts and agencies use a test that focuses on how much control the organization has over your work. If they set your schedule, dictate... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Health Care Law for Maryland on
Q: Can my mom's healthcare aide leave an agency to work directly for my mom under Maryland law, considering the non-compete clause is void?

I'm considering having my mom's healthcare aide work directly for her instead of through the agency, as her long-term health policy funds are running out. The aide, who is paid minimum wage, has agreed to work directly for my mom for a lesser amount, and my mom's contract with the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 12, 2025

Your aide can legally transition to working directly for your mom, as Maryland law provides strong protections for minimum wage workers regarding non-compete clauses. Maryland's state law already bans the use of non-competes for employees making 150% of the minimum wage or less, and since... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Employment Discrimination and Employment Law for Maryland on
Q: Retaliation at work after EEOC complaint, Maryland

I filed a complaint with the EEOC regarding my boss's negative behavior, including intimidation, ridicule, and insult. After I reported it to HR, they informed my boss, but no action was taken. Since then, her behavior has worsened, and she's been retaliating by increasing my workload to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 11, 2025

I'm really sorry you’re going through this. You took a brave step in reporting mistreatment, and it’s not fair that you’re now facing even more hostility as a result. Retaliation after filing a complaint is not just wrong—it can also be a violation of your rights under federal law.... View More

Q: How can I protect my kids from my criminally-linked ex seeking custody?

I am a concerned parent currently facing a custody case initiated by my ex, who has been uninvolved with our children for the past six months. My ex is under investigation by the Department of Homeland Security for arranging scam marriages for citizenship purposes, and his wife is allegedly... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 31, 2025

You need to move quickly to gather and preserve any proof of your ex’s misconduct—photos of bruises, written statements from witnesses, school or medical reports, and any records you have of the DHS investigation. When you file your response to the custody petition, include these documents as... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law, Civil Litigation, Wrongful Death and Personal Injury for Maryland on
Q: Whistleblower seeking legal advice for governmental misconduct in MD.

I am a whistleblower who reported safety concerns in September 2023, leading to a MOSH investigation finding probable cause for my firing due to protected activity. Two deaths occurred as a result of government negligence. The involved agencies include MOSH and the Maryland Office of the Attorney... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 26, 2025

If you're seeking a consult, you could need to reach out to Maryland law firms that practice in the area of whistleblower, qui tam, employment, and related areas. The attorney referral sections of local and state bar associations could be a starting point, as well as the "Find a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights and Employment Law for Maryland on
Q: What local programs in Maryland help individuals with a criminal history gain employment?

Since returning home from incarceration in 2023, I've applied for numerous jobs in warehouse, general labor, and construction positions but have been repeatedly denied due to my criminal history, specifically drug charges. These charges aren't related to the job responsibilities. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

You’ve already taken important steps just by trying and staying motivated, and that deserves real respect. In Maryland, there are several programs designed specifically to help individuals with a criminal record find stable employment. Groups like Maryland Reentry Initiative, the Center for Urban... View More

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