Pittsburgh Business And Securities Litigation Blog

Context counts in trade-secret cases

The typical trade-secret case we see is anything but typical. Every company has unique circumstances that lead to these types of actions. Each individual has unique concerns during defense. The complex, interrelated web between employees, previous employers and...

Tips for properly firing an employee

Ideally, every hiring decision would work out exactly the way you expect, and you would never have to let an employee go. However, at the law office of Michael J. Betts, we know that not every new hire works out the way you hope it will. Sooner or later, you will...

Limiting monetary awards in an arbitration case

Employees who have a dispute with an employer or two businesses disagreeing over a contract may believe arbitration will resolve their dispute without a lengthy court process. But arbitrators, like court judges, can still hand down binding decisions, which may...

What should be included in your non-compete agreement?

Whether your company’s daily business involves the use of trade secrets or you have a host of competition in your company’s industry, you may want to consider having your employees sign a non-compete agreement. Acting as a contract between the employer and employee,...

Addressing disputes over employment agreements

Business owners in Pennsylvania have many issues to consider when it comes to hiring staff members, renewing contracts and ensuring that employment matters are addressed properly. Likewise, job applicants and those who start a new position often have a lot of concerns...

When is a legal mistake negligence?

In all professions, mistakes can and do happen. When working with lawyers, when does a mistake become negligence? Often, mistakes end in consequences, but this does not mean that you have a malpractice claim. To have a legal malpractice claim, you have to determine if...

Is it worth it to require a non-compete agreement?

When hiring employees in Pennsylvania, you have to have them fill out a lot of paperwork. You need to make sure you handle all the documents the government wants. You may also have some documents of your own, such as an employee handbook agreement or a non-compete...

Fiduciary duty: An overview

Sometimes, people or businesses may entrust another person or organization with making important decisions on their behalf. Those granted with such responsibility are known as fiduciaries, and they have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of those who have...

What are the distinguishing features of arbitration?

There are a few different types of alternative dispute resolution options that you have in Pennsylvania. You can use ADR in various legal situations instead of going through a standard court trial. It can enable you to save time and money, while also having a larger...

What should you know about non-compete agreements?

Pennsylvanian workers like you may have been asked to sign a non-compete agreement before being officially hired into your current job. While these agreements are commonly used in the modern business age, many people don't actually understand how they work, what...