Legal Question Employment & Labor
Apr 27, 2026 · Asked anonymously

Can my employer make me sign a non-compete after I've already been hired?

I've worked at a tech company in Austin for 3 years. HR just asked all employees to sign a non-compete agreement that would prevent us from working for competitors for 2 years after leaving. Can they make me sign this?

1 Attorney Answer

Attorney Response Apr 30, 2026

TTL Legal Team

Verified Texas Attorney

Texas Business & Commerce Code §15.50 allows non-compete agreements, but they must be ancillary to an otherwise enforceable agreement and supported by consideration. Asking existing employees to sign a non-compete mid-employment is legally questionable unless the employer provides something of value in return — a promotion, a raise, access to trade secrets, or specialized training. Simply continued employment is generally not sufficient consideration in Texas. You have the right to refuse to sign. If you do sign under pressure, the agreement may still be challenged as unenforceable if it is unreasonably broad in geographic scope, duration, or the activities it restricts. Consult an employment attorney before signing anything.

This is general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for your specific situation.

Attorney answers are general legal information and do not constitute legal advice or an attorney-client relationship.

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