Severance and Employment Agreements
Protecting Your Interests upon Termination
Not every employment situation can be resolved internally. Sometimes, the best way to protect everyone's interests is through the execution of a severance or separation agreement. At Malkinson & Halpern, P.C., we can review and suggest potential changes to your agreement and, if necessary, go to the negotiating table for you to protect all your interests as you and your employer part ways.
Severance Agreements Protect Employers
When workplace conflicts come to a head, or when layoffs or reductions in force occur, an employer may offer a severance package to encourage employees to leave voluntarily. This can also soften the blow of involuntary separation. By offering a well-negotiated severance package, employers can encourage employees to walk away, without having to fire them.
Often, these severance packages will be offered in exchange for waivers of workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wage & hour, and other potential employee claims. This can be advantageous for everyone involved. It provides employees financial support as they find a more desirable workplace, while employers are able to resolve and avoid costly litigation.
Protecting Employee Interests
When deciding whether to voluntarily leave a company, far too many employees treat severance packages as an all-or-nothing bargain. No two employees face the same circumstances when leaving a company. You may have children to support, a challenging job market, or medical needs that make finding replacement employment harder than most. In other cases, terminating your employment may require relocation. The Malkinson & Halpern, P.C., team can help you negotiate with your employer to protect all of your interests and get you the best severance package available. Depending on the particular situation, we may be able to negotiate for:
- Continued benefits and health care;
- Non-disparagement (to protect your reputation when a new employer calls your references)
- Mutuality (which ensures you and your employer are held to the same standards); and, of course,
- Additional severance payment.
Our employment attorneys can also help you understand non-competition agreements, non-solicitation agreements, and other termination limitations that could interfere with your ability to find new employment.
Free Consultation
At Malkinson & Halpern, P.C., we will stand beside you and help you achieve the strongest severance agreement to protect your interests. Contact Malkinson & Halpern, P.C., for a free consultation today.
