Most employment relationships in California are on an at-will basis, which means that you can quit your job or get fired at any time for any lawful reason, and possibly for no reason at all. However, some employers request that employees sign employment contracts, which put in place terms of their employment that override at-will principles.
Employment contracts are not inherently good or bad. However, there are certainly individual contracts that have unfavorable terms, and employees should think twice about signing. Never hesitate to have a California employment attorney review your contract and advise you on its potential implications.
Some issues with employment contracts might include:
- Unreasonable obligations and responsibilities of the employee
- Unclear terms regarding compensation, commissions, bonuses, or benefits
- Terms of employment that are too long
- An unenforceable non-compete clause
- Overly restrictive non-disclosure agreements
- Provisions requiring you to waive certain rights to file litigation
If there are unfavorable terms, it does not mean you need to give up the job opportunity completely. Our attorneys can help you negotiate certain terms and find middle ground that will protect your rights as an employee and are agreeable to the employer.
In addition to contracts at the start of your employment, a company might ask you to sign a severance agreement if your employment is terminated. These agreements might seem favorable because they provide benefits such as severance payment and COBRA coverage. However, these contracts might also have unfavorable clauses that limit your rights. It is just as important to have a lawyer review a severance agreement before you sign.
Contact a Walnut Creek Employment Lawyer for Help
Before you agree to sign an employment contract, let a Walnut Creek employment attorney review the agreement and provide advice. Seek help from Ratner Molineaux, LLP, by contacting us online or calling (925) 332-1444 today.