How an Employment Lawyer Can Help with Severance Negotiations

When an employment relationship comes to an end, whether due to layoff, resignation, or termination, severance packages often become a central topic of discussion; negotiating a fair severance agreement can be a complex and emotionally charged process, particularly if you feel you’ve been treated unfairly by your employer. That’s where an experienced employment lawyer in Los Angeles can step in to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Here’s how an attorney from Azadian Law Group, PC, can assist you in negotiating your severance package:

1. Reviewing the Severance Offer

The first step an employment lawyer will take is to carefully review the severance agreement offered by your employer. Many severance agreements contain legal jargon and complex clauses that can be difficult to understand. A lawyer will ensure that the terms are fair and lawful and reflect what you are entitled to under California law.

Key Areas An Attorney Will Evaluate Include:

• Payment amount: Are you receiving the appropriate compensation for your years of service and the circumstances of your departure?
• Benefits continuation: Will you still receive health insurance or other benefits, and for how long?
• Non-compete and non-disclosure clauses: Are there any restrictions on your future employment?
• Waivers of legal claims: Does the agreement ask you to waive your rights to pursue legal action against your employer?

By scrutinizing these details, your Los Angeles employment lawyer can help identify potential red flags that might be overlooked.

2. Negotiating a Better Deal

Often, the initial severance offer is not the final offer. Employers may leave room for negotiation, but knowing how to navigate this can be daunting without legal assistance. An experienced employment attorney can negotiate, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation. This might include:

• Higher severance pay: An attorney can argue for more significant severance based on your tenure, performance, and circumstances of the separation.
• Extended benefits: Negotiations may also involve securing longer periods of health insurance or other employee benefits.
• Additional perks: A lawyer might also advocate for other benefits, such as outplacement services or favorable terms for stock options.

With a lawyer from Azadian Law Group, PC, by your side, you’ll be confident that your interests are fully represented in these discussions.

3. Protecting Your Rights

Sometimes, severance agreements are offered after instances of wrongful termination or other unlawful conduct by the employer. If your termination is linked to discrimination, retaliation, or a violation of labor laws, you may be entitled to more than just severance pay. A qualified employment lawyer in Los Angeles will identify if any employment laws have been breached and pursue additional claims if necessary.

Common Violations Include:

• Wrongful termination: Were you fired for illegal reasons under California law?
• Discrimination: Were you treated unfairly due to your race, gender, age, or another protected characteristic?
• Retaliation: Did your employer terminate you after you raised concerns about workplace violations or participated in a legally protected activity?

If these violations exist, a lawyer can help you take legal action and negotiate a better severance deal.

4. Ensuring Fair Non-Compete Clauses

Non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are often included in severance agreements to restrict employees from working for competitors or soliciting former clients. These clauses can be overly restrictive and hinder your future employment opportunities. California law generally disfavors non-compete agreements, but employers may still attempt to enforce them in some circumstances. An employment attorney will ensure that such clauses are removed or adjusted to be fair and enforceable under state law.

5. Handling Disputes or Litigation

If your employer refuses to negotiate a fair severance or violates the terms of your employment agreement, a lawyer from Azadian Law Group, PC, can represent you in court. They will fight to ensure you receive what you are legally entitled to through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Having an experienced Los Angeles employment lawyer at your side strengthens your position and increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

6. Ensuring Confidentiality

Severance agreements often contain confidentiality clauses that prevent you from discussing the terms of your settlement or the reasons behind your departure. While some confidentiality provisions are standard, others can be overly broad or restrict your ability to speak freely about potential legal violations you may have witnessed. An attorney will ensure that confidentiality terms are reasonable and do not unduly restrict your rights.

7. Offering Peace of Mind

Navigating the end of an employment relationship can be stressful and confusing, especially when legal and financial matters are at stake. Having a skilled employment lawyer from Azadian Law Group, PC can provide peace of mind by ensuring that you are treated fairly and that your future career prospects are protected.

Conclusion

Severance negotiations can be fraught with challenges, but with the help of an experienced employment lawyer in Los Angeles, you can secure a fair and favorable outcome. Whether you need help reviewing a severance package, negotiating better terms, or addressing potential legal violations, Azadian Law Group, PC is here to support you.

If you’re facing severance negotiations, don’t go it alone. Call us at 213-229-9031 to schedule a consultation and help you achieve the best possible outcome.