Employment & Severance Agreements by the Top Employment Law Attorneys in New York

When employees are hired, and sometimes when they leave a job, they are often required to sign agreements. The initial agreement signed upon hiring is called an employment agreement, which outlines the rights, responsibilities, and rules governing the relationship between the employee and employer. Upon termination, employees may also be asked to sign a severance agreement, defining the terms and conditions that apply after their employment ends.

Both employment and severance agreements carry significant legal implications. These agreements can cover a range of issues from salary and benefits to non-compete clauses and confidentiality obligations. To fully understand your rights and responsibilities under these agreements, it’s crucial to have them reviewed by a professional employment attorney at Shalom Law.

Understanding Employment Agreements

In New York, most employment is considered at-will, meaning an employer can terminate an employee at any time for any reason, or no reason at all, as long as it is not illegal. However, employers cannot terminate employment for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons. If you believe your termination was unjust, consulting an employment law attorney can help determine if you have a case for wrongful termination.

Severance Agreements

Severance agreements are contracts between an employer and an employee where the employer agrees to provide severance pay following the end of employment. Severance pay is typically offered to employees who are laid off or terminated, rather than those who resign.

Eligibility for severance pay often depends on the terms outlined in the employment contract. While most employees are not automatically entitled to severance pay, they may negotiate for it under certain circumstances, such as long-term employment or specific company policies that imply a right to severance.

Severance agreements can be complex, involving conditions such as non-disclosure clauses, non-compete agreements, and waivers of the right to sue for discrimination or retaliation. This complexity underscores the importance of having an experienced attorney review the agreement to ensure it serves your best interests. For more detailed information, you can refer to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Retaining a New York Lawyer

Employers may offer severance agreements to avoid potential legal claims for discrimination or retaliation. These agreements often include provisions that waive the employee’s right to sue in exchange for severance pay. It is essential to have such agreements reviewed by a lawyer to understand the implications and to decide whether accepting the offer is in your best interest.

In New York City and Long Island, employers may ask employees to sign severance agreements that provide benefits in exchange for waiving rights to sue for discrimination. These agreements require thorough review by a discrimination lawyer to ensure fairness. The legal team at Shalom Law has extensive experience in employment law, representing both employers and employees, and can negotiate agreements that protect your interests.

The attorneys at Shalom Law provide expert legal guidance in reviewing and negotiating employment and severance agreements. With years of experience, we offer comprehensive legal support to ensure your rights are safeguarded.

Employment & Severance FAQ