EPGD Business Law is proud to announce a recent trial victory in a tortious interference with contract case resolved in Miami-Dade Court. The case reinforces an important principle in business law: lawful competition is not unlawful interference.
Case Overview
Practice Area: Business Litigation
Claim: Tortious Interference with Contract
Court: Civil Court
Stage of Resolution: Summary Judgment + Trial Victory
Our client was sued by her previous employer. The employer alleged that she had improperly taken clients and unlawfully interfered with contractual relationships after leaving the company.
These types of claims are common in competitive industries where employee mobility and client relationships overlap. However, not every loss of business constitutes tortious interference. The law draws a clear distinction between wrongful conduct and lawful competition.
Defense Strategy and Litigation Outcome
The litigation progressed through multiple stages:
- The opposing party filed a motion for summary judgment.
- The court ruled in our client’s favor.
- The matter proceeded to trial.
- Our team successfully defended the case at trial, securing a complete win.
At trial, we demonstrated that:
- Our client did not engage in wrongful or illegal conduct.
- There was no improper interference with contractual relationships.
- The actions taken were consistent with lawful competitive behavior.
The court ultimately ruled in our client’s favor.
Legal Insight: When Is Competition Lawful?
This case highlights a key legal takeaway for employers and employees alike:
Former employers cannot automatically prevent former employees from competing.
To prevail on a tortious interference claim, a plaintiff must generally prove:
- The existence of a valid contract,
- The defendant’s knowledge of that contract,
- Intentional and unjustified interference,
- And resulting damages.
Merely competing for business — without wrongful conduct — does not meet that legal standard.
Why This Matters for Businesses and Professionals
Businesses often assume that former employees who continue working in the same industry are acting unlawfully. However, unless there is:
- A valid and enforceable non-compete agreement,
- Clear evidence of improper solicitation,
- Or independently wrongful conduct,
competition remains protected under the law.
For professionals, this decision reinforces the importance of understanding contractual obligations before transitioning roles — but it also confirms that career mobility and fair competition are legally protected principles.
Strategic Business Litigation Defense
Business disputes involving former employees, restrictive covenants, or alleged interference can quickly escalate into high-stakes litigation. A proactive, strategic defense — including early dispositive motions and strong trial preparation — can significantly alter the trajectory of a case.
This result reflects our firm’s commitment to protecting clients facing complex commercial litigation and safeguarding their right to compete lawfully.
