Severance packages for terminated employees recently have become a topic of debate in the New Jersey Legislature. Two bills are pending that would penalize higher-paid workers who receive severance packages by denying them state unemployment benefits. Neither bill has passed either chamber of the legislature.
Regardless of what happens in Trenton, employees (and ex-employees) should not approach the issue of severance passively. Professional-level employees should proactively plan for the possibility of termination by working with an employment attorney in one or more ways:
- Negotiate severance terms in the initial employment contract
- Review the current severance package and negotiate more favorable terms
- Reject a severance package offered at termination and pursue wrongful termination litigation
Some of the benefits worth negotiating for in a severance package include outplacement services, a positive job reference and extension of medical coverage for an extended period of time. Contact an experienced employment attorney today.
Neil H. Deutsch has been practicing law for over 35 years and is known as a skilled negotiator in employment and discrimination law. He believes in a bottom-line approach of risk analysis and cost effectiveness for his clients. "Case evaluation is something we take seriously," says Mr. Deutsch who seeks top net dollar for his…
Bruce L. Atkins is the senior managing partner at Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt P.C., a prominent plaintiff employment law firm in the tri-state area. Mr. Atkins believes employees’ rights should be aggressively pursued when they’ve been wrongfully dealt with by their employers. He brings this philosophy to his practice when considering each case and its…
Adam J. Kleinfeldt joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in March of 2015. He primarily represents individuals in employment litigation such as discrimination, retaliation and whistle blowing matters. He has extensive experience in all phases of the litigation process. Adam has obtained significant results for his clients, including a $525,000 jury verdict in a sexual…
Diane Englander Peyser joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in September 2018 where she represents employees in wrongful termination, retaliation, harassment, and discrimination matters. Prior to joining Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C., Diane represented clients in all aspects of employment law on behalf of employees involving unemployment appeals, claims of sexual harassment, LGBT discrimination, disability…
Debra M. McGarvey joined Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in December 2019. She has extensive experience defending employees and employers in state and federal court in employment litigation matters. She has represented clients on various issues arising out of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), the New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act (CEPA), the…
