Boston Severance Agreement Lawyers and Employment Contract Attorneys

Navigating the complexities of employment contracts and severance agreements can be daunting for both employers and employees. Between the complex legal jargon and negotiating favorable terms, the expertise of a skilled lawyer can make all the difference. A skilled severance agreement lawyer or employment contract attorney can help you navigate your situation, upholding your interests to pursue a more favorable outcome.

Severance Agreements: Explained

A severance agreement is a contract between an employer and an employee that details the terms of the employee’s departure from the company. Generally, these agreements include provisions covering the severance pay amount, continuation of benefits, and any conditions the employee must adhere to, such as non-compete clauses, confidentiality agreements, non-disparagement provisions, and waivers of legal claims.

They provide the departing employee with financial support during their transition, protect the employer from potential legal claims, and ensure a smooth exit.

Understanding the Role of a Severance Agreement Lawyer

As part of our employment practice, we help employees negotiate and finalize severance agreements and employment contracts and provide advice on non-compete agreements and non-solicitation agreements.

In these situations, it is critical for employees to fully understand their legal rights. In the case of severance agreements, employees normally are asked to waive any and all claims that they may have against an employer. An employee may also be asked not to compete against the employer in a certain geographic area for a specified period of time.

To avoid potential issues, it’s important to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions included in the agreement. That’s where we come in. We explain severance terms and conditions to employees and provide advice on what conditions are normally included in severance agreements. Where severance terms are unfavorable or unacceptable, we negotiate with employers for the changes our clients seek.

Employment Contracts: Explained

An employment contract is a formal agreement between an employer and an employee that defines the terms and conditions of employment. These contracts generally cover numerous aspects of employment, such as job responsibilities, salary, benefits, work hours, duration of employment, and grounds for termination.

They may also include additional clauses, such as a non-compete, non-solicit, confidentiality, or intellectual property agreement. These contracts set the stage for the working relationship, establishing clear expectations to minimize misunderstandings and a definitive legal framework.

The Role of a Lawyer in Employment Contracts

As with severance agreements, a lawyer’s help can be beneficial when signing an employment contract. These contracts often contain intricate legal jargon and specific clauses that can be confusing to non-legal professionals. This is where we can help.

When an employee is preparing to sign a new employment contract or a contract covering executive-level compensation, including stock options, we break down the jargon into easily understandable portions. We also explain to the employee the full scope of the terms and conditions the employer is seeking, ensuring they understand what the employer is asking for.

Often, there will be particular terms that are contentious, including the conditions under which the employee may be fired, the severance that might be payable, and the terms of a non-compete after the employee is no longer employed by the employer.

We can help navigate these situations, advocating for our clients to seek a solution that meets both parties’ needs.

Let Us Help You – Give Us a Call

Whether you’re preparing to sign a new employment contract or are navigating the challenges of a severance agreement, we’re here to help. We will help negotiate the best agreement for you. Contact us today at (617) 559-1530 or complete our online contact form for help with your contract or agreement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Terms That May Be Considered Contentious in an Employment Contract?

Oftentimes, employment contracts contain terms that may be considered contentious, such as a non-compete clause, termination conditions, dispute resolution mechanisms, or compensation-related provisions such as bonuses and stock options. These terms may significantly impact an employee’s future career opportunities and financial well-being.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Navigate My Severance Agreement or Employment Contract?

While having help from a lawyer when navigating a severance agreement or employment contract isn’t mandatory, it can certainly prove beneficial. Your lawyer can help you understand the complex legal language, identify and negotiate unfavorable terms, and ensure the agreement is fair and legally sound. Furthermore, they can advocate for your rights and interests to help you get something that fits your needs.

Can a Lawyer Help Me Get a Better Severance Package?

While every case is different, and results from working with a lawyer on your severance package may vary, their help can be pivotal. They’ll advocate for your best interests, negotiating for higher severance pay, extended benefits, and overall more favorable terms.

Can I Negotiate My Employment Contract If I’ve Already Started Working?

While it is possible to negotiate an employment contract if you’ve already started working, it’s challenging. So, it’s best to talk to a skilled employment contract lawyer before you sign the document to ensure everything is in order and that you understand and are okay with the terms and conditions.

Can I Negotiate a Severance Package If I’ve Already Signed It?

Once a severance package has been signed, renegotiating its terms can be tricky, but it is possible. Ideally, you should talk to a knowledgeable severance package lawyer before signing the contract to ensure you’re satisfied with the terms and conditions. However, if you’ve already signed it and want to renegotiate, a lawyer may still be able to help. In these situations, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible to determine whether renegotiations are possible.
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Client Review

“After an engaging discussion with Matt about the circumstances surrounding my breach of contract situation with a former employer, Matt agreed to help me attempt recovery of unpaid debts. I was pleased to feel like a partner in a collaborative effort to emphatically communicate our position and demonstrate unwavering determination to prevail. Our single letter ultimately compelled the company to fulfill their contractual obligations out of court. I can highly recommend Matt as a thoughtful, responsive, and creative attorney.”

Google Review 5 Stars – H.H.