This week in your Manager's meeting, the team will be working to help Jeremy and Phil resolve the legal issues raised in the Week 3 Overview. As you know, the company is growing rapidly and plans to hire at least eleven more employees in the next six months to one year. One of the employees Jeremy and Phil really want to hire is Michael Anderson, a software programmer who is currently employed at a competing firm, Multi-Flex Industries. Michael has unique skills and abilities regarding the software associated with 3D prosthetic limbs. Unfortunately, Michael signed a three-year employment contract with Multi-Flex when he began two years ago. The contract stipulates that Lee will not work for any Multi-Flex competitors for at least 18 months after he leaves his employment for any reason (either voluntarily or if terminated).

Jeremy and Phil have directed your team to discuss the possible legal ramifications of making an offer of employment to Michael.

• What law applies in this situation? What are each of the elements?
• What would be the benefits of hiring Michael? What would be the challenges of hiring him?
• Do you recommend that BrehmWood hire Anderson? Why or why not?