Imagine walking away from your job, ready to start a new chapter, only to be slapped with a cease-and-desist. They say you’re violating a non-compete agreement. Your future, your income, your reputation? On hold. And the first question that strikes you, understandably, is this: How much does it cost to fight a non-compete?
The answer? It depends. However, the financial toll can escalate quickly in Maryland, where employment law is notoriously nuanced. You’re looking at direct legal fees, court costs, expert witness expenses, and potentially months of lost income or opportunity. Worse, the longer you wait to act, the higher those costs climb.
At Smithey Law Group LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how these cases unfold and how early intervention can limit damage. As one of Maryland’s leading employment law firms, our attorneys have shaped the state’s legal landscape, publishing extensively on non-compete law and serving in leadership roles within the Maryland State Bar Association. If you’re facing litigation or hoping to avoid it, we can help you build a smart, strategic defense that protects what you’ve worked for.
How Much Does It Cost to Fight a Non-Compete?
Attorneys often litigate non-compete disputes under state contract law, but the financial impact cuts across more than just legal theory. Whether trying to invalidate a clause or defend your right to work, you face layered expenses that add up quickly.
So, how much does it cost to fight a non-compete? Some common costs include:
- Attorney’s fees. Depending on the complexity, Maryland employment attorneys may charge between $300 and $800 per hour. Flat-fee arrangements are rare in litigation, so the longer the case drags on, the higher your bill climbs.
- Court costs and filing fees. These expenses vary by county but usually include fees for motions, hearings, and potentially trial preparation. Expect to spend several hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Expert witnesses. In some cases, experts are needed to assess damages or industry standards. Fees can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
- Discovery and document production. If your case enters a heavy discovery phase, you’ll pay for document review, subpoenas, and e-discovery systems. These costs can rival an attorney’s fees.
- Appeals. If your case moves to a higher court, your costs essentially reset and often increase.
Overall, depending on the stage and complexity of the case, total costs may range from $5,000 to $100,000+. In particularly contentious or high-stakes disputes, that number can skyrocket.
What About Indirect Financial Losses?
Even if you win your case, you may still lose income, momentum, or relationships. Litigation has a ripple effect that affects more than your bank account, including:
- Lost income. Many employees are barred from working during the dispute. If the employer requests a temporary restraining order or injunction, it may legally prohibit you from earning a living in your field.
- Lost opportunities. Time spent fighting in court is time not spent building a business, growing a client base, or advancing in your career.
- Professional reputation. Word of litigation travels quickly, especially in tight-knit industries. You could lose future opportunities based on perception alone.
- Stress and distraction. You’ll spend months focused on filings, not growth. That’s a cost, too, one that rarely shows up in a spreadsheet but drains you all the same.
A well-planned legal strategy won’t eliminate every consequence. However, it can help you control the fallout.
How Does Strategic Legal Guidance Lower the Cost of Fighting a Non-Compete?
One of the most effective ways to control costs is to retain a knowledgeable attorney when a dispute arises. We approach each case with proactive precision. Our attorneys not only litigate employment disputes; they help shape the rules. From negotiating favorable resolutions before filing a lawsuit to narrowing the scope of litigation through early motion practice, we know how to contain costs while protecting your career.
Working with an experienced team like Smithey Law Group means you:
- Get clear insight into whether your non-compete is enforceable in Maryland;
- Avoid unnecessary legal maneuvers that rack up fees;
- Gain leverage for faster, more favorable settlements; and
- Position yourself to keep working.
The longer you wait, the more leverage your former employer gains and the more you risk in time, money, and opportunity. Smart and timely legal strategy is the best defense against runaway litigation costs.
Contact Smithey Law Group LLC Today
At Smithey Law Group LLC, we do more than react. We strategize, advocate, and fight to protect your right to work. Our attorneys are nationally recognized, media-featured, and frequently tapped to speak at employment law summits nationwide. If you’re facing litigation or want to avoid it, start by asking the right question: Not can I afford to fight this, but can I afford not to? Then reach out to us.
