Why Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer to Review a Severance Agreement?

Dallas, United States, 12/30/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

Just because you are not a senior executive doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask legal counsel about a proposed severance agreement. Many managers or other employees who are offered severance packages could benefit from an employment lawyer’s advice, especially if the proposed severance agreement is not offered in connection with a mass layoff.

For example, an employment law attorney can point out if the employer is trying to “offer” the employee something the employee already has the right to receive. If the employee is already entitled to money for severance payments or for unused vacation time—whether those rights arise under an employment contract or pursuant to company policies—the employee does not need to sign the proposed severance agreement just to get that money.

An employment law attorney can also determine how “fair” a proposed agreement is. Sometimes an employer’s standard severance agreement asks the departing employee for big concessions—such as a noncompete agreement and a release of all claims—without giving much in return. An employment law attorney may be able to help the employee negotiate a more favorable agreement.

To speak to a Dallas, Texas employment lawyer, contact the Dallas employment lawyers at Clouse Dunn LLP. You may send an email to [email protected] or call (214) 239-2705.