Firm News - September 2014 The attorneys at Bailey Brauer obtained successful outcomes for several clients over the past quarter. Examples include: - Defeating antitrust and deceptive trade practices claims of nearly 200 plaintiffs from Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas filed in one of the nation’s most challenging venues; - Successfully resolving claims of an alleged fraudulent investment scheme during a federal jury trial; and - Defeating fraud and contract claims alleged against a technology company officer in a complex multi-party dispute stemming from the issuance of preferred stock. Attorney Clayton Bailey was a guest speaker and provided a “Legal Update” at the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association’s 2014 Live Production and Welfare Seminar held in Nashville, Tennessee. As Hiring Improves, the Likelihood of Litigation Rises. As the jobless rate decreases, there has been an avalanche of lawsuits filed by former employers relying on the vagaries of trade secret and unfair competition laws to prevent the hiring of employees by competitors. What can you do to minimize your exposure? As the economy has improved over the last 18 months and individuals are joining new employers, we have noticed an uptick in lawsuits filed by employers accusing their former employees of stealing “trade secrets” or confidential and proprietary information. While many lawsuits may be necessary to shield against unlawful conduct, these lawsuits can unfortunately also be used by former employers as a sword to lash-out against the former employee that had the audacity to effectively “fire” his former employer. The lawsuits may also be used by companies to strike fear in competitors that might be contemplating issuing job offers to other current employees. The basic rule of fair competition for a departing employee is easy to state: