The Federal Trade Commission’s announcement Tuesday that it adopted a rule barring employers from enforcing noncompete clauses against workers was a significant one. Although the outcome of litigation appealing the new rule is uncertain, some employment lawyers already think the days of the noncompete clause are numbered.

The rule prohibits employers from entering into new noncompete agreements with workers after the measure goes into effect, and also bars enforcement of existing noncompete agreements except with certain senior executives.

Michael Elkins of MLE Law. Courtesy photo