This one-hour program provides a practical update on the rapidly shifting landscape of noncompete law in 2026. Participants will get a clear picture of what federal agencies are doing now—especially the FTC’s evolving rulemaking efforts and whether the NLRB still plays a meaningful role in this space. The program then turns to state-level activity, highlighting newly enacted 2026 statutes and the status of Ohio’s pending legislation. Finally, the session brings these developments together with a strategic discussion of how a decade of legal change should influence today’s drafting and litigation approaches. Attendees will leave with a grounded understanding of the moving parts and how to navigate them effectively.
Agenda
The Federal Government
What Exactly is the FTC doing now?
Does the NLRB matter to this subject in 2026?
The States
New 2026 statutes
Is anything happening with the Ohio bill?
Key Strategy Issues in Light of a Decade of Developments
Drafting
Litigation
Presenter
William A. Nolan, Esq., Barnes & Thornburg LLP
William Nolan brings clarity and closure to employment, contract and business disputes. Passionate about helping employers build strong teams, policies and processes, Bill’s proactive advice minimizes the frequency, cost and severity of employment disputes. Bill also works with clients to design systems and practices to manage the many challenges of complex employer-employee relationships.
An experienced trial lawyer, Bill handles covenant not-to-compete and trade secret cases in many states. He also regularly defends employers in discrimination and discharge cases, administrative claims, arbitrations and mediations. Bill helps clients maneuver shifting legal mandates and has distinct experience handling complicated employee health and leave issues. Admired for his calm and thoughtful approach to resolving disputes, Bill also acts as a neutral.
In his role as employment counselor, Bill advises clients on a range of workplace issues. He is called upon to conduct manager and workplace trainings that ensure legal compliance on the front lines. He was an early leader in tracking how employers and legislatures respond to discrimination in the workplace, advocating for changes in training models to better address persistent workplace behaviors.
Bill is not one to back down from a challenge. Opening the firm’s Columbus office in 2009 during the Great Recession, he built and ran a notable team for over 15 years. Also, as a former two-term councilman and Powell, Ohio, mayor, Bill brings contagious energy to community affairs, focusing on furthering inclusion in the legal profession.
1.0 CLE Hour