Contract questions

Question

Dear all

i got an offer from a firm (Congrats to me). in the contract they mentioned the noncompete which means i will not be able to work at any other firm or business with competition for 2 years after i leave the firm. 1. Is that a standard? 2. If yes then How do consultants move from one firm to another?

3. it is not mentioned clearly that the firm will cover travel expenses to client sites should i ask about that before signing?

4. Also nothing mentioned about relocation expenses should i also ask about that before signing?

wish me all the luck

thank you

Answer 1

Haha congrats to you indeed!

1. Yes this is pretty standard in my experience, but don't worry about it (and there's nothing you can change). The coaches who say this isn't common are speaking to experiences in a different country where labor laws are different. (Europe protects their citizens a lot more than the US with this sort of thing).

2. They just do it and are not litigated against. As long as you aren't divulging trade secrets/insider info etc. you're fine. This is super common practice. Firms put this in their clauses but there's not that much they actually do about it.

3. No need to ask. First of all, they will cover your expenses. Second, no contract changes will occur as a result of this question. Third, it's just a bad look to ask.

4. This is a great thing to ask as part of negotiations! It's a nice way to get an extra few thousand as an extra signing bonus so to speak. Go right ahead, but do so respectfully! Feel free to reach out to me for help with this.

Answer 2

Congratulations on the offer!

Let me give you my perspective:

No, this is not standard. However, some firms do it anyway and for me personally that would be a red flag. I would only expect this from a firm that’s self conscious of its substandard EVP and prevents good people from seeking something better.
They usually don’t but even if they did, given that this is not standard people can normally move around freely.
Yes, they will come up for any travel expenses. No need to make this explicit. There wouldn’t be a consulting industry if that weren’t the case.
This is something you could and should try and negotiate.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

Hi there!

congrats on your offer! I am sharing from my experience:

1. & 2. I WOULD ADDRESS: Non-compete clause are not standard (at least haven't witness that in APAC, Europe, etc.) hence I would address this, particularly if you are not joining MBB, this can potentially limit you (most people joining 2nd tier consulting is hoping to jump to MBB). If you are joining MBB you would unlikely leave for another consulting, still, it would be good to clarify (e.g. what region, role, etc.)

2. NOT NEEDED TO ADDRESS: I have never had a travel expenses explanation in the contract, they will pay, but wont bother with the contract.

4. YES ADDRESS that, reallocation must be part of your offer and contract.

You gonna rock! All the best,

Lucie

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Answer 4

1 and 2. Yes, in some countries / offices the contracts are like that. But you should check with the lawyer. The validity of that clause and what you can and can't do depends on the country and the specific writing (e.g. is it about you not being able to work in the same clients for a competitor, or is it about you not being able to join a company that competes with that firm, regardless of the situation)

3. No need to ask that. This is obviously their expense - unless you are concerned about locations close to the current office / your home.

4. Yes, if you want relocation support you should ask before signing. That's part of the contract negotiation.