It is quite natural for you to want to expand your employment options after certain amount of experience in an industry. If you have worked for a company for a number of years, you have likely attained a great deal of knowledge that will allow you to open your own practice in the same industry. However, many unscrupulous competitors may try to limit your ability to use your own expertise in your own industry by suing you into submission or by firing you.
In most cases, these businesses are attempting to use their leverage to try to scare you out of competing with them. This may include your old company. However, there is very little in the law that states that one company has the ability to completely remove a potential competitor from an industry.
No law is good unless you have the ability to argue it in court. If you are trying to start a new business, then you likely do not have the time to look up laws to defend yourself and keep your company running at the same time. This is a perfect time to outsource the research and the administration of your court case to a reputable small business attorney. You know that you have a leg to stand on because of the spirit of your business – you did not steal ideas from anyone. All that you need is the appropriate law to back you up and the right person to present your case in court.
A good attorney may also intimidate your opponent into backing down in and of itself. As stated before, many of these companies do not really have a legal leg to stand on when they are suing you in the first place, especially if they fired you. If you have a reputable attorney that is known to your competitors as a fierce court warrior, they will likely conclude that the money and time spent fighting you is not worth it.
Even if the case moves forward, you will have an advocate on your side who knows how to argue your case to the court. You will not have to take time out of your day to deal with the pesky administration of court documents. You will be able to run your business in the way you see fit, and you will be able to defend yourself against your competition in your new industry.