Hackensack Attorneys Help Workers in Reviewing Employment Agreements

New Jersey lawyers advise on NDAs, non-competes, severance payments and other contractual terms

An employment agreement is a contract that provides employees job security and other benefits but also imposes obligations. Some of these obligations can continue past the employee’s tenure with the company. If you’re asked to sign such an agreement in New Jersey, you need to know the meaning and impact of all included terms. The attorneys at Deutsch, Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in Hackensack are experienced in reviewing employment agreements and providing job applicants and employees with practical advice.

Why have an experienced NJ attorney review your employment contract?

Like any contract, an employment agreement contains provisions with meanings that might not be clear to lay people. An employment law attorney will fully explain the agreement’s terms so that you understand your rights and benefits as well as the duties that you are undertaking. Your lawyer will also explain any post-employment obligations, such as non-compete agreements, that can impede your future career. If your employer is open to negotiation, your lawyer can help you seek more favorable terms.

Types of employment agreements we review

We are experienced in reviewing all kinds of employment agreement, including:

• At-will agreements — Employers or employees may terminate these at any time, usually on only a couple weeks’ notice.
• Fixed-term agreements — These provide for employment for a certain length of time, unless there is good cause for discharge.
• Project assignments — These are contracts limiting employment to specific enterprises.
• Compensation agreements — These provide for payment of salary, bonuses and other types of compensation.
• Employment benefits agreements — These can cover health and disability insurance, personal and family leave, expense accounts and other non-salary benefits.
• Severance agreements — These set the terms for payment of specified sums when workers leave their employment

Some of these terms can be clauses or sections of a single employment agreement.

What is typically included in review of an employment agreement?

We conduct a thorough examination of every provision, focused on the following:

• An overview of your needs, concerns and expectations
• An analysis of your job security
• Your compensation and benefits
• Termination and severance clauses
• Your job duties, including non-disclosure, non-compete and other provisions that may continue after the agreement terminates

Where appropriate, we make legal recommendations about how the agreement might be improved.

Typical issues found from reviewing employment agreements

We will make sure the agreement covers the most important aspects of your employment and will scan the agreement for potentially troublesome issues. We will analyze the following questions among others:

• Are the terms satisfactory to you?
• Are they complete?
• Are they written or implied?
• What is the full extent of your duties and obligations?
• What risks do you face?

We will clearly explain any potential pitfalls and whether there are ways around them.

Findings and recommendations for re-negotiation

If we find any problems with the agreement, we will point them out and recommend potential improvements as well as explain the reasons why they may be better for you. If the employer is amenable, we will re-negotiate the agreement in your behalf. While re-negotiations typically result in compromise, we are experienced in successfully handling contract disputes.

Contact a New Jersey employment agreement attorney

The experienced attorneys of Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. in Hackensack, New Jersey will assist you in reviewing and if possible re-negotiating your employment agreement. To schedule a consultation, call 551-245-8894 or contact us online.