Longfellow and Ruble Discuss FTC Noncompete Rule in Missouri Lawyers Media Article

Baker Sterchi Members Jackie Longfellow and Nick Ruble are quoted in a Missouri Lawyers Media article titled “Uncertainty looms for noncompete policies as federal ban faces legal hurdles." The article explores the potential impact of the Federal Trade Commission’s noncompete rule being set aside, the likelihood of an appeal and what this could mean for employers.

In the article, Longfellow advises employers to ensure their noncompete agreements are designed to protect legitimate business interests and are narrowly tailored as their enforceability may come under scrutiny in the current legal and public environment.

Ruble highlights that the ruling does not affect trade secret protections or the handling of confidential and proprietary information. He also notes that non-solicitation agreements may offer a more effective option for employers aiming to safeguard customer relationships.

Longfellow is a civil defense trial lawyer focused on labor and employment matters and serves as chair of Baker Sterchi’s Employment & Labor Practice Group. She is on the steering committee for ALFA International’s Labor & Employment Practice Group and is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office Kansas City Trial Masters Team. She frequently speaks on employer-related issues and is licensed to practice in Missouri and Kansas.

Ruble is vice-chair of Baker Sterchi’s Employment & Labor Practice Group and has extensive experience in employment and labor law. He serves on the steering committee for ALFA International’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, co-chairs the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association’s Labor & Employment Committee and is a member of DRI’s Employment and Labor Law Committee. Ruble is also a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, including the Greater Kansas City Chapter, and is licensed to practice in Missouri and Kansas.