I work at a dental office and our credit card processing company charged us almost $600 for the new terminal. The previous terminal we had was leased so we did not own that. They kind of made it sound like we had no choice but to pay that money.
prior restraint. n. an attempt to prevent publication or broadcast of any statement, which is an unconstitutional restraint on free speech and free press (even in the guise of anti-nuisance ordinance).
After the period of restraint ends all bets off and there is nothing legally (with the exception of confidentiality issues) to prevent the employee from pursuing your client. The Courts start with the premise that all restraints of trade are prima facie unlawful unless they are reasonable.