Congratulations. You have worked hard for many years and finally everything has paid off. You have been offered your dream job. Everything seems too good to be true except now you are communicating with your future employer’s team of attorneys. If you are in this situation, you may be so appreciative of your employer’s initial compensation offer that you overlook the damaging fine print. You also may leave valuable compensation on the table because you are fearful of negotiating. We understand the delicacy and tact required during executive compensation negations so you do not start off your new employment on a sour note. The employment attorneys of Rathod | Mohamedbhai LLC have substantial experience in reviewing and negotiating employment, executive compensation, severance, non-competition, non-solicitation and trade secret agreements. If your employer asks you to sign any of these types of agreements, we can help you review them and negotiate a more favorable total compensation package.
Employment Lawyers Who Can Explain the Fine Print
If you are being offered an executive compensation package, there are likely to be a number of complex tax, ERISA and other issues that require review by an employment attorney before signing. (Review by tax attorneys, which we are not, is also recommended.) The issues that can arise in executive compensation agreements include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Mandatory binding arbitration and waiver of jury trial rights
- Release of legal claims and rights
- Restrictive covenants such as non-competition, non-solicitation, trade secrets and confidentiality clauses
- Deferred compensation and stock options
- Restricted stock and 401(k) plans
- Taxes
- Bonuses and bonus structures
- Retirement benefits such as medical, dental, disability, and life insurance
- Expense reimbursements and travel privileges
- Relocation and moving benefits
- Legal and tax fee reimbursement
- For-cause termination and delineated severance benefits
- Change of control provisions
Severance Agreement Lawyers
Near the end of your employment, you may be asked to sign a severance agreement that may require giving up many rights in exchange for little compensation. Courts have generally upheld the enforceability of severance agreements, regardless of how one-sided they are and even when they are signed under some form of duress or coercion. Employers use severance agreements as a method to minimize future legal liability when a termination is wrongful or discriminatory. Severance agreements can be incredibly complex and are often drafted by your employer’s lawyers for the maximum benefit of your employer, not you. If severance agreements are not carefully reviewed and explained, you may unknowingly give up substantial rights. You may even be barred from working within the city you live and/or your industry for many years.
Contact Our Employee Rights Attorneys
Call 303-578-4400 or fill out our online form to contact our firm and discuss your case with our experienced employment attorneys.