DUONG, M.D. VS. FIELDEN HANSON ISAACS MIYADA ROBISON YEH, LTD

# Case Summary: Duong v. Fielden Hanson Isaacs Miyada Robison Yeh, Ltd. **What Happened** Dr. Duong and other physicians worked for a law firm called Fielden Hanson. When they left the company, they wanted to start competing against their former employer. However, their employment contracts included a noncompetition agreement—a rule preventing them from working for competitors. The physicians challenged this agreement in court, arguing it was too restrictive and unfair. **What the Court Decided** Nevada's highest court ruled in favor of Fielden Hanson. The court allowed the company to enforce the noncompetition agreement, even though parts of it were unreasonable. This was possible because the original contract included a "blue-penciling" clause—language stating that a court could modify the agreement if needed to make it fair. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling shows that noncompetition agreements can be enforced against workers in Nevada, even if they seem overly broad. However, workers should know that these agreements can sometimes be modified by courts to be more reasonable. If you're signing a noncompetition clause, carefully review whether it includes blue-penciling language, as this affects whether courts can adjust its terms.