Columbia, Maryland Severance Agreement Lawyers

Rockville, MD Severance Agreement Attorneys

Severance agreements can protect the rights and interests of both employees and employers when employment relationships come to an end. These agreements typically outline the terms under which an employee will leave a company, including compensation, benefits, restrictions, and other important considerations. However, severance agreements are not always straightforward, and the terms they contain can have long-lasting effects on both parties. Employees offered severance packages may feel pressure to sign quickly, but it is essential to carefully review these agreements to ensure that they fully protect their rights and interests. On the other hand, employers will need to create clear, enforceable agreements that meet their business needs while complying with legal requirements.

Whether you are an employee who has been offered a severance agreement or an employer looking to draft and enforce these agreements, an experienced employment law attorney can provide legal guidance. At Freedman Law, LLC, we can help both employees and employers navigate the complexities of severance agreements. We work to ensure that our clients can achieve favorable outcomes in severance negotiations.

Key Issues Addressed in Severance Agreements

It is important to understand each of these elements that may be addressed in severance agreements to ensure that they will be fair and comprehensive. Some of the key issues addressed may include:

• Severance Pay: The agreement should clearly state the amount of compensation the employee will receive, as well as the schedule for payment. This may include a lump sum payment or continued salary payments for a specified period.
• Continuation of Benefits: Employees may receive continued health insurance coverage, retirement benefits, or other perks as part of a severance package. The agreement should specify the duration and terms of these benefits.
• Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Clauses: Many severance agreements include provisions that are meant to protect an employer against unfair competition by preventing the employee from working for the employer's competitors, starting their own competing business, or soliciting other employees or clients from the employer. These clauses must be carefully drafted to ensure that they are fair and enforceable.
• Release of Claims: In exchange for severance pay, employees are often required to release the employer from any potential legal claims. This release may cover claims related to discrimination, wrongful termination, or other employment disputes. It is crucial for an employee to understand the implications of these releases before signing a severance agreement.
• Confidentiality Agreements: Severance agreements may include clauses that prevent the employee from disclosing confidential information about the company or the terms of the severance agreement itself.
• Reemployment Assistance: Some agreements may offer assistance with finding new employment, such as outplacement services or letters of recommendation.
• Dispute Resolution: The agreement may outline how any disputes related to the severance terms will be resolved, whether through arbitration, mediation, or litigation.

Steps Employees Can Take to Protect Their Rights

When presented with a severance agreement, an employee should take specific steps to ensure that their rights are protected and that the terms of the agreement are fair. These steps include:

• Carefully Reviewing the Agreement: It is important to thoroughly review the severance agreement, paying close attention to the terms and conditions, especially those related to compensation, benefits, and the release of claims.
• Seeking Legal Advice: Before signing a severance agreement, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney. Freedman Law, LLC can provide a detailed legal review of a severance agreement, helping an employee understand their rights and identify any potential issues that could affect them in the future.
• Negotiating Terms: An employee is not obligated to accept the initial terms of a severance agreement. Freedman Law, LLC can assist in negotiating more favorable terms, such as higher severance pay, extended benefits, or modifications to non-compete clauses.
• Understanding the Release of Claims: Signing a severance agreement often means giving up the right to pursue legal action against the employer. Freedman Law, LLC can ensure that an employee fully understands the implications of this release, and we can help them make informed decisions about whether to sign an agreement.
• Considering Tax Implications: Severance pay and other benefits may have tax consequences. Freedman Law, LLC can help an employee understand these implications and make informed decisions about how to structure their severance package.

Assisting Employers With Severance Agreements

Employers can also benefit from working with experienced legal counsel when drafting, negotiating, and enforcing severance agreements. Freedman Law, LLC provides legal help for employers to ensure that they can create agreements that will protect their interests and comply with the law. We can assist with:

• Drafting Clear and Enforceable Agreements: Freedman Law, LLC works with employers to create severance agreements that clearly outline the terms and conditions of an employee's departure. This includes ensuring that non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are reasonable and enforceable and that an agreement meets all legal requirements.
• Handling Negotiations: When employees seek to negotiate the terms of severance agreements, Freedman Law, LLC can provide representation for employers, helping them reach agreements that are fair and beneficial for both parties.
• Enforcing Severance Agreements: If an employee violates the terms of a severance agreement, such as by breaching a non-compete clause or disclosing confidential information, Freedman Law, LLC can help an employer take legal action to enforce the agreement and protect their business interests.
• Mitigating Legal Risks: Severance agreements can help employers avoid potential legal disputes, but only if they are carefully drafted and executed. Freedman Law, LLC can help employers ensure that their agreements are legally sound and that they fully comply with the applicable employment laws.

Contact Our McLean, Virginia Severance Agreement Attorneys

Whether you are an employee who has been offered a severance package or an employer who is seeking to draft or enforce a severance agreement, Freedman Law, LLC can help you protect your rights and interests. Our lawyers can provide the knowledgeable, experienced legal representation needed to ensure that severance agreements are fair, clear, and enforceable. Contact our office by calling 410-290-6232 and scheduling a consultation.