Patrick Guinness Scores Significant Settlement for Client in Non-Compete and Defamation Case

After eighteen months of highly contested litigation, McDowell Rice successfully obtained a settlement in excess of one million dollars for its client in a non-compete and defamation case against former employees who started a competing business.  McDowell Rice immediately obtained injunctive relief for its client, barring the former employees from continuing to contact the clients' customers.  Despite the former employees claiming no involvement in creating the new business or soliciting customers, McDowell Rice relentlessly pursued electronic communications by the former employees to establish their liability.  Before the close of discovery, the former employees agreed to enter a 537.065 settlement  by which they agreed to sign new extended non-compete agreements, agreed to a more cost-effective arbitration, and allowed McDowell Rice's client to pursue collection of any damages awarded at arbitration from their insurer.  Prior to the arbitration, the insurer agreed to pay a settlement in excess of one million dollars.  Patrick C. Guinness was lead counsel, with Jason L. Buchanan and Thomas R. Buchanan assisting in obtaining this favorable result.