My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: California.
I was just laid off by my company because of the softing of the insurance market. Last year, they made us sign a non-compete clause in order for us to receive our bonus checks. The corporate office for our company is located in Mighican. The clause states that all action will be taken within that state. No where in the clause does it state how employment with the company is terminated. It does state that I cannot compete against the company with any of the retail agents the company currently does business with unless the new company has a "significant" book of business currently on the books. It also states that I cannot solicit the insurance policies already written with the company. The clause further states that I cannot work for a company that writes the same class of business that the company does. This is suppose to be for one year plus 1 month after "departure" from the company.
Since leaving the company, I have interviewed with a competitor. I do not know yet if I have the job, but I need to know what legal action my former employer can take against me and any company I find employment with. My former branch manager had told me that a non-compete clause in CA is not enforceable as it prevents me from being able to earn an income. Is this true?

