I signed a non-solicitation agreement — can I contact my old clients after I leave?
The short answer
Whether you can contact former clients after leaving depends on what your non-solicitation clause actually says. The critical language is the definition of "solicit" — some clauses prohibit only direct outreach asking for business; others broadly prohibit any contact with named clients regardless of who initiates it. How clients are defined (all clients ever, or only active accounts during a stated period), the duration of the restriction, and whether the clause covers former clients who reach out to you first are all in the clause language. State rules on non-solicitation enforceability vary, though these clauses are generally treated differently — and sometimes more favorably to employers — than non-compete clauses. Scan your agreement to see what its non-solicitation terms actually say.
What Dang reviews here: Dang reviews the clause language in your employment agreement — what the non-solicitation, non-compete, confidentiality, and IP terms say and what to ask about them. It does not verify wage, hour, or leave compliance.
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What a non-solicitation clause usually covers
A non-solicitation of clients clause typically prohibits you from soliciting — asking for business from — clients or prospects you worked with during your employment, for a defined period after leaving. The definition of "solicit" is the most important variable: a narrow definition only covers direct, affirmative outreach asking for business; a broad definition may cover any business contact with a former client, including responding to their inquiries.
The definition of "client" matters too: some clauses cover only clients with whom you personally worked or had relationships; others sweep in all clients of the employer regardless of your involvement. The duration — commonly one to two years — and whether the clause applies globally or to a geographic or account subset are additional elements that determine the real scope of the restriction.
Why people worry
The practical worry is usually: a former client calls me — can I take the meeting? Or: I am starting my own practice — which of my former clients can I tell? The clause language is the answer in both cases. A clause that covers only active solicitation by you is a different restriction than one that prohibits any business contact. Getting clarity on that distinction before acting is the purpose of reviewing the clause.
What to look for in your agreement
- The definition of "solicit" — whether it is narrow (direct outreach for business) or broad (any contact).
- Which clients are covered — all employer clients, or only those you personally worked with or had relationships with.
- Whether the clause covers passive inbound contact — clients reaching out to you first.
- The duration of the restriction and when the clock starts.
- Whether the clause applies to prospects as well as current clients.
Questions to ask before acting
- Ask the former employer to clarify whether the clause would apply to clients who contact you first.
- Ask the other party to confirm whether responding to a former client's unsolicited inquiry is covered.
- Confirm whether the clause covers only clients you personally managed or all clients of the business.
- Consider having the clause reviewed if former-client relationships represent significant business value in your next role.
Why scan instead of guess
The general rule tells you the baseline. Your offer tells you what you’re actually being asked to sign — and the wording is what binds. Dang reads the document and flags the clauses worth reviewing, in plain English.
The deterministic engine scores and decides what’s risky. The AI only enriches the plain-English wording — AI extracts, code decides, never the other way around.
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Common questions
Is a non-solicitation clause the same as a non-compete?
No — a non-compete restricts where you can work; a non-solicitation clause restricts specific contacts or business activities with identified clients or employees. They are separate clauses with separate scopes and are treated differently under most state laws.
What if a client contacts me first?
It depends on how "solicit" is defined in your clause. Many clauses cover only affirmative outreach by you; others are written broadly enough to cover any business-related contact. The clause's language is the answer — not a general rule.
No account required · File deleted after analysis · Not legal advice. Dang reports contract findings in plain English — general information, not legal advice about your situation. For consequential decisions, consult a licensed attorney in your state.