Most high level executives, doctors and salespersons work pursuant to employment agreements. In a typical situation, an employer gives a potential employee an agreement that is already in complete form. Many potential employees sign these proposed agreements “as is,” without suggesting any changes.
Keith Clouse, a Dallas lawyer who frequently negotiates employment agreements on behalf of his clients, believes some potential employees should attempt to negotiate better terms. All too often, a person will accept unfavorable contract terms under a mistaken belief that the document “is what it is” and the employer has no room to negotiate. While some employers do subscribe to that theory, others, including large employers, will negotiate changes to an employee’s proposed contract, if the employee simply asks.
Important provisions for an employee to examine are those addressing how and why the employer can terminate the agreement (and the resulting consequences) and any covenants not to compete or solicit. In addition, an employee may wish to negotiate smaller details and benefits; for example, an employee could request that an employer pay continuing education expenses.
For assistance in negotiating an employment agreement or to ask an employment law attorney to review and analyze a proposed employment contract, please contact the employment law lawyers at Clouse Dunn Khoshbin LLP at [email protected].
