Controversial noncompetes now face a possible ban. But one group never had to worry about them: attorneys

• The FTC estimates that about 30 million workers are bound by noncompete agreements across the US.
• Experts say banning the agreements could motivate workers to leave for higher paying jobs, or start their own businesses.
• However, an American Bar Association rule has long protected lawyers from being forced to sign the agreements.

The FTC proposed a ban on noncompete agreements, but one group of workers has long been protected from them: lawyers.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that about 30 million workers, nearly 20% of the workforce, across the US are currently bound by noncompetes.