Restrictive Covenants
Non-compete and non-solicit restrictions
A broad non-compete can legally stop you doing the very work you make your living from, sometimes for a year. Narrow non-solicit clauses (don't poach this client's staff or customers you worked with) are far more common and reasonable. The wider and longer the restriction, the more it needs to protect a genuine business interest to stand up.
What to look for
Whether the freelancer is restricted from working for competitors or in their own field, and from approaching the client's staff or customers, and for how long and over what geography. Broad non-competes can stop you earning a living in your own trade.
How Clause rates it
Wording you can ask for
For [6] months after this agreement ends, the Freelancer will not solicit the specific employees or clients of the Client with whom the Freelancer worked directly under this agreement. Nothing in this agreement prevents the Freelancer from providing similar services to other clients, including in the same industry.
The UK angle
Under English law post-contractual restrictive covenants are void as a restraint of trade unless they go no further than reasonably necessary to protect a legitimate business interest; overbroad non-competes are frequently unenforceable.
See this on your own contract.
Paste your contract and watch these rules light up your own clauses.