In a striking legal battle, a major consulting firm is taking action against one of its former employees for allegedly breaching non-compete agreements and poaching staff. International Services, Inc. (ISI) filed a complaint on November 13, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against Christopher J. Given, accusing him of enticing employees to join a competitor and soliciting clients without permission.
The lawsuit alleges that Christopher J. Given, once an employee at ISI and now working for Next Generation Business & Tax, LLC—a direct competitor—engaged in activities that violated his employment contract with ISI. According to the complaint, Given not only attempted to recruit ISI employees to his new employer but also solicited third-party services to ISI's clients without consent while still employed by ISI. The plaintiff claims these actions were in direct conflict with ISI’s non-compete and employment policies.
International Services, Inc., headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, is described as a leading management consulting firm serving small and medium-sized businesses across the United States. The company accuses Given of using proprietary information gained during his tenure at ISI to benefit Next Generation Business & Tax, LLC. It is alleged that Given had access to confidential documents and trade secrets which he utilized after joining the rival firm.
The complaint details how Next Generation Business & Tax was previously known as Profit Management Solutions (PMS), founded by former ISI employees who allegedly engaged in similar recruitment tactics against ISI staff and clients. It further states that while working for both companies simultaneously, Given proposed services from third-party providers to ISI clients in exchange for referral fees—actions deemed unauthorized by ISI.
On July 1, 2024, an inadvertent mistake by Given led to the revelation of his dual employment when he mistakenly sent an email intended for Next Generation Business & Tax to his supervisor at ISI. This incident exposed his ongoing efforts to divert business away from ISI towards its competitor.
As part of their legal action, International Services seeks temporary and permanent injunctive relief against Given's alleged misconduct along with damages exceeding $100,000. They argue that his actions have caused significant harm to their reputation and business opportunities.
Representing International Services is General Counsel Maelene J. Torres from their office located in Arlington Heights. The case is being overseen by an unnamed judge under Case ID: 1:24-cv-11657.