Advice & Agreements

Sometimes you don’t need representation; you just need a second legal opinion. In our experience, many people need to have a second legal opinion before they sign an employment agreement but don’t because they feel pressured by their employers. You don’t have to sign anything immediately. You should always ask an employment agreement attorney to review legal contracts you are presented with before you sign them.

You cannot trust your employer to do what’s best for you only, only the company. Contact the employment agreement attorneys at Bantle & Levy to ensure your best interests are protected.

What Types of Employment Agreements Can Bantle & Levy Advise You On?

In addition to representing employees in disputes with employers, Bantle & Levy LLP has extensive experience in providing legal advice to employees. As an employee, you will need to sign many different types of employment agreements in your lifetime. However, you need to be aware of what you are agreeing to in the contract, as it can affect your career in the long run. Our skilled employment agreement lawyers advise employees who need legal assistance in non-adversarial situations, such as negotiating:

• Employment Contracts: These contracts detail what someone’s duties and wages/salary will be during their employment. It’s also common for these contracts to contain rules of employment that employees are expected to follow, such as promises against tardiness and poor public behavior.
• Severance Agreements: These contracts offer an employee compensation or benefits for a period of time following their termination as long as they maintain NDAs and/or leave peacefully.
• Non-Compete Agreements: These agreements force an employee, contractor, business partner, or terminated employee not to work for the competition. They must be within reason and cannot stifle someone’s career.

Without legal advice, you may not be able to spot when your employers are taking advantage of you. They want to do everything they can to increase and protect their own bottom line. In some cases, this can include leaving you by the wayside.

How to Negotiate Employment Agreements

Negotiating employment agreements can be a complex process. However, careful preparation and clear communication can increase your chances of securing favorable terms. Of course, it’s best to have your paperwork reviewed by a legal professional. But usually, the following steps can help you ensure you sign a favorable agreement.

• Do Your Research: First, understand your industry’s standards and salary range. This includes factors like paid vacation, insurance, and 401k. Also, learn about the company culture, values, and reputation. Understanding these factors can help you negotiate efficiently.
• Communicate Clearly: Whatever it is, be sure to communicate it clearly and proactively to your attorney and then to your employer in negotiations. Express your expectations calmly and confidently. For example, when negotiating your employment agreement, clearly tell the company what you bring to the table and how valuable your skills are. Actively listen to the HR or company representative, and remember, this is a professional negotiation. So, keep your voice at an appropriate level and tone while making your points. Raising your voice is more likely to stop the discussion in its tracks.
• Negotiate Your Salary and Benefits: This forms the crux of most employee agreements. Negotiate your salary and benefits if the initial offer is lower than expected. Remember that benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, stock options, and vacation days are negotiable.
• Clarify Your Role: You need a clear understanding of your job role, responsibilities, and reporting structure. Ambiguity can lead to problems down the line. It may even affect your performance and benefits such as bonuses. You can also talk about potential career growth if applicable.
• Be Prepared to Say No: Sometimes, the offer may not be as good, or your negotiations may fail. If so, be prepared to walk away. However, don’t bluff. You should have another job lined up before you say no. It gives you leverage and peace of mind.
• Seek Professional Advice: You can always talk to an employment attorney. They can address any concerns before you sign the agreement. Whether you are going for a high-stakes career move or a simple job change, it’s best to speak with a lawyer before signing a legally binding contract.

Remember, successful employee agreement negotiation is about finding balance. Both you and your would-be employer need to be happy with the deal.

Why You Should Seek Advice On Your Employment Agreements and Other Legal Matters

While it is never required that an employment agreement lawyer review your contracts, non-competes, etc., it is often beneficial that they do. For example, if you are offered certain incentives and benefits for reaching set milestones in the company, you may come to find that these milestones are nearly impossible to achieve.

When you have an attorney review the contract, you can gain a better understanding of the terms of the document and find room for negotiation.

In addition to milestones, an employment agreement lawyer can guide you through salary negotiations, equity, and opportunities for growth. It’s not enough to be told these things verbally, you need it in writing and our attorneys can help with that.

Other terms and conditions we can provide advice on include:

• Job title and description
• Non-compete agreements
• Leaving the job and termination of employment
• Protecting your best interests – not the company’s

Why Should You Contact Bantle & Levy?

A competent lawyer can help you in many ways. We can check and validate your employee agreements, which include paperwork like employment contracts, severance agreements, and non-compete agreements, helping you navigate through the legal jargon that may have lasting effects on your employment future. At Bantle & Levy, we have helped many employees sign agreements with favorable terms. We believe in your rights as an employee. We are here to protect them. And we have the skills, knowledge, and insights needed to do just that.

Are you looking for an employment agreement attorney? Our skilled lawyers are here to help you. Contact our New York law firm today.