Donald Williams v. Dominion Technology Partners, L.L.C.

Summary

The Supreme Court of Virginia reversed a jury award to Dominion Technology Partners against its former at-will employee, Donald Williams, on claims of breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with business relationships, and statutory business conspiracy under Code §§ 18.2-499 and 18.2-500. The Court held that Williams' arrangement, made while still employed, to work directly for ACSYS upon his resignation did not breach his duty of loyalty because he used no confidential information, solicited no clients or employees, gave notice permitting Dominion to perform its contract, and was barred by no restrictive covenant. Because the same conduct was the sole proof of the 'intentional misconduct' and 'legal malice' elements of the interference and conspiracy claims, the Court reversed the entire judgment and entered final judgment for Williams.