Liberty Mutual Sues, Alleges Hudson Valley Agent Stole Clients

Liberty Mutual claims that a former Hudson Valley employee violated their trade secrets and stole clients.

According to Law 360, Michelle Paolicelli worked in Liberty's Wappingers Falls office until September 2017. That's when she left her position to accept a job at Brinckerhoff and Neuville Inc. in Fishkill.

Paolicelli was a "lead sales rep" for Liberty Mutual before leaving to work at Brinkerhoff and Neuville. In December she posted an announcement on her Facebook page about her new position:

This year has been quite a ride. I got married, hung out in Europe and globetrotted while pregnant, gave birth to my beautiful son, in addition to gaining two great kids, and started my new business endeavor at Brinckerhoff and Neuville...

I have to thank my work family for always thinking of me and trusting me with their clients and their own families. I feel truly blessed to have such amazing colleagues by my side.  I will always work my hardest to help you in any way that I can.

I have said this before, and I'll say it again, I have the absolute best customers and referral partners.

I love you all!

Liberty Mutual contends that Paolicelli was sending potential clients to Brinkerhoff and Neuville even before leaving her job with them. If true, this would be a violation of most sales employment contracts. Companies traditionally make salespeople sign non-compete clauses that prevent them poaching customers. The Wappingers Office claims they've have had 20 cancellations since Paolicelli resigned.