In-house attorneys in Ohio cannot be bound by noncompete agreements over practicing law with another competitor. However, they can be barred from having business responsibilities at a competing company.

Earlier this month, the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct wrote in a nonbinding opinion that “a lawyer may not ethically agree to an employment contract with a covenant not to compete that will restrict his or her future legal practice after separation of employment” because it goes against Ohio Rule of Professional Conduct 5.6 (a).