Negotiating Employment Contracts

CALIFORNIA EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS

Entering into a new employment contract can be exciting as well as nerve-racking. You will want to ensure that you are receiving everything you are entitled to and that you are adequately protected.

There are many things to consider in an employment contract. For instance, what happens if you are laid off or your employer objects to you working for a competitor? Other points to consider may include:

  • Non-compete agreements

  • Trade secrets

  • Travel expenses, restrictions and arrangements

  • Stock options

  • Vacation and bonuses

  • Termination clauses

  • Severance pay

  • Incentives

  • Confidentiality clauses

  • Retirement plans

Negotiations can be a delicate process and be very stressful. Your employer is eager to hire you but you want to be sure that you understand all the provisions in your contract, their consequences, dispute obligations, and that you are adequately provided for when you retire or should you be terminated.

CONSIDER A NEGOTIATING PARTNER

It is not unusual for employees negotiating complex employment contracts to be represented by an attorney; many employers welcome it since they can later argue that you had full legal assistance when you negotiated and signed your contract should there be a dispute in the future. We will be your partner in the negotiating process and see that your concerns and interests are considered before a final contract is drawn up and executed.

WHAT CAN A LAWYER DO?

Our employment attorneys are well-versed in employee-employer relations and the state and federal laws regulating the relationship. We will analyze your needs, interests and concerns as well as those of your employer. Our goal is not to engage in an adversarial process but to reach an amicable accord without injury to either party.

If an employee handbook or manual is available, we will carefully peruse it to identify any options in your particular case and review any other company regulations and policies that apply to you or could apply to you.

Communication is often the key in negotiations. We make sure that each provision and term is understood or explicitly described so there is no misunderstanding or misinterpretation. If necessary, we will redraft key provisions after discussions and analysis with your manager or supervisor. We will make sure your rights are protected if there is a dispute at a future time and that minimum standards of fairness are met. Your employer should also be interested in an enforceable employment contract since it could result in considerable litigation costs and possible damages if a court rules otherwise.

RETAIN TOVARIAN LAW

Be confident that you have the employment contract you want by having us negotiate your employment contract for you. Why feel you may have settled for terms or conditions that are not beneficial to your best interests? Call Tovarian Law today for a free, initial confidential consultation to discuss your employment contract. We have the knowledge and experience to assist you for all your employee matters.