BARRETT and ORS v ECCO PERSONNEL PTY LTD [1998] NSWCA 30

BARRETT and ORS v ECCO PERSONNEL PTY LTD [1998] NSWCA 30

Solicitation under a non-solicitation clause is not negated simply because the client made the initial approach; subsequent actions by the former employee, such as submitting proposals and presentations, can constitute solicitation, breaching the contract.

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Barrett; Appellant: Elizabeth Kulevska; Appellant: Parramatta Personnel Pty Ltd; Respondent: Ecco Personnel Pty Ltd
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
24 November 1998
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Judgment of the Court of Appeal
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Restraint of Trade, Non Solicitation Clauses, Interpretation of Employment Contracts
Contract Law Employment Law Restraint of Trade Non Solicitation Clauses Interpretation of Employment Contracts

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Parties

Barrett

Appellant

Elizabeth Kulevska

Appellant

Parramatta Personnel Pty Ltd

Appellant

Ecco Personnel Pty Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Judgment of the Court of Appeal

  1. 1 Whether the appellant breached the contract of employment by soliciting a client when the initial approach was made by the client
  2. 2 Interpretation of 'solicit' within a non-solicitation clause in an employment contract
  3. 3 Whether the fact that the client made the first approach negates solicitation under the contract

Ratio Decidendi

Solicitation under a non-solicitation clause is not negated simply because the client made the initial approach; subsequent actions by the former employee, such as submitting proposals and presentations, can constitute solicitation, breaching the contract.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Appeal dismissed with costs.