Employment Agreements

Are you considering signing an employment agreement as a condition of a new or continued employment but want to speak to an attorney before signing? Are you considering seeking new employment, but you have an enforceable employment agreement with your most recent employer and want to discuss how the terms of your agreement will impact you in the future? Employment agreements can dictate pay, the circumstances under which you and/or your employer can terminate the employment relationship, and even the type of work you are allowed to engage in after your employment ends.

Employees should understand their contractual rights and obligations when signing a new employment agreement, and they should understand how a current employment contract will impact them if they leave their job and seek new employment. Having a qualified Arizona employment attorney review your agreement and discuss the contractual rights/obligations and risks you are assuming by taking certain action is important.

Severance Agreements

Have you been terminated or laid off and presented with a severance agreement to sign? Many employers will present departing employees with severance agreements that offer a specified sum (usually deemed “severance pay”) in exchange for the departing employee waiving or releasing their right to bring any legal claims against the employer in the future. Severance agreements can be beneficial for both the employee and the employer. The employee receives much-needed income to bridge the gap until they find new employment and have a regular source of income again. The employer gains security knowing that the employee will not present a future liability because they are precluded from bringing any future claims.

However, if you believe that you may have any potential claims against your employer—whether for discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract, etc.—it is critical to discuss your case with an Arizona employment lawyer before signing a severance agreement. By signing, you could be waiving your right to pursue claims whose value far exceeds the amount of severance pay being offered. An Arizona employment attorney can advise you regarding the terms of the severance agreement and any claims you would be waiving. An attorney can also contact your employer to negotiate fairer severance terms/pay in light of any potential claims you may have.