Either simultaneously with or subsequent to your hiring, your employer may ask you to enter into a number of different agreements with the company. These contracts outline the relative duties and expectations of both you and your employer. The terms and conditions of these agreements are relevant both during the employment period and after the employment relationship comes to an end. As such, it is advisable to contact the New York employment contract lawyers at Fitapelli & Schaffer to review any agreement and explain the consequences of signing such a document. In many instances, we will be able to negotiate a better agreement on your behalf.

Employment Agreements

An employment agreement is a document that discusses the relevant terms and conditions of your employment including your compensation, job responsibilities, employment duration, grounds for termination and entitlement to severance pay and benefits. While you may feel that you have received a good offer, it is advisable to consult with a New York employment contract attorney at Fitapelli & Schaffer because you may be unaware how signing such a document can impact your rights; your agreement may contain a restrictive covenant, such as non-competition or non-solicitation, or require alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration. While these provisions may not seem important now, they can have serious repercussions at a later point in time.

An employee has some degree of leverage during employment negotiations because the employer wants the employee to work for the company. Therefore, it is important to consult with an employment contract attorneys at Fitapelli & Schaffer. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating employment agreements and can fight for our clients’ interests in a professional and respectful manner.

Severance Agreements

Before your employer terminates you, your employer may ask you to sign a severance agreement. While you may view such an offer as an act of kindness on the part of your employer, it is important to understand the legal consequences of signing this document. While your severance package is likely to provide you with additional compensation, you will be expected to sign a waiver, releasing your employer from liability for almost any legal claim that may have arisen during your employment with the company. Therefore, you should think twice before accepting a severance offer and should consider consulting with a New York severance lawyer at Fitapelli & Schaffer. You may have a legal claim against your employer, which our severance attorneys could use as leverage in negotiating a better package on your behalf or as grounds for bringing a lawsuit against your former employer for a greater monetary award.

Non-Compete Agreements

Your employer may ask you to enter into a non-compete agreement as a condition of your employment. While it is almost impossible to avoid signing such a document, you may be able to take certain precautions to minimize any restrictions imposed against you. It is advisable to contact the New York non-compete agreement lawyers at Fitapelli & Schaffer to negotiate the best terms on your behalf. Non-compete agreements restrict your right to work in the same field as your previous employer for a certain time, in a certain geographic area. Our non-compete agreement attorneys have the experience needed to limit the geographical and time restrictions imposed against you and may be able to negotiate for additional benefits in return for signing the agreement.