Get Free Answers From Experienced Lawyers!
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?

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
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?

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.
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

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,... View More
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 ?

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

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

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

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

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
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.

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

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
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

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
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.

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
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

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... View More
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

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.
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
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

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
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.