The Los Angeles severance agreements lawyer at the Leichter Law Firm, APC, Aryeh Leichter, encourages his clients to have all legally binding documents reviewed with an attorney, before signing, to ensure each California employee’s rights are protected.
While most employees may see severance packages also called separation, release, or termination agreements — as a welcomed contract when leaving a company, the reality is they are designed to place the employer’s best interests first.
A California employer typically presents a severance agreement at the end of the employment relationship with the main goal of releasing itself from legal liability for any unlawful employment practices or threatened legal actions pertaining to alleged unlawful employment practices.
For this reason, California employees should not sign severance agreements without consulting with an attorney who understands and can alert the employee to each legal component therein.
The California employment law attorney at the Leichter Law Firm, APC will help you understand the complete content of the agreement, so you are certain your rights are protected going forward.
What is Included in a California Severance Agreement?
A severance agreement is a legally binding agreement outlining both the employer and employee’s responsibilities and rights when their employment ends.
Common components of a California severance agreement may include provisions involving:
- Confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements to keep the details of the employee’s exit private
- Continuation of healthcare benefits
- Eligibility for unemployment
- Non-compete or non-solicitation requirements
- Procedures for the return of company property
- Severance pay
The most crucial factor outlined in severance agreements is that they are typically designed to release the employer from any form of liability after they and the employee part ways.
By signing a severance release, California employees may be giving up critical rights, including their legal ability to pursue the employer for:
- Discrimination
- Retaliation Claims
- Sexual Harassment, Assault, or Abuse
- Wage and Hour Claim
- Wrongful Termination
Waiving your legal rights by signing a severance agreement without having a skilled employment law attorney in Los Angeles review it first is a serious decision that could be accompanied by serious consequences.
Contact the Leichter Law Firm, APC today to discuss the details of your severance agreement with an experienced employment law attorney in Los Angeles to ensure your rights are protected now and going forward.
Contact the Leichter Law Firm, APC Severance Agreement Lawyer in Los Angeles
Aryeh Leichter, the Leichter Law Firm, APC founder and severance agreement attorney in Los Angeles County, can help you understand the details of your contract, starting with a free consultation, by calling 818-915-6624 or contacting the firm online today.