Walnut Creek Severance Agreement Attorneys
Protecting Employees Rights From Severance Agreements in the Bay Area
The paperwork you sign when you leave a job is just as important as the paperwork you sign when first starting, if not more so. In a legal document known as a “severance agreement,” there can be many sections of fine print that can dramatically impact your post-job life. Too many people breeze past these agreements, but it’s vital that you have your severance documents looked over by a qualified severance agreement attorney before you sign anything. When ending a period of employment, there are several terms that you must negotiate, in order to protect yourself moving forward, since your employer will be doing the same. No matter what your situation is- whether you’re about to leave a job, or you left a while ago and now you’re having legal troubles, come to Ratner Molineaux, LLP.
Basics of a Severance Agreement
A severance document isn’t just about money. In addition to details about a potential financial package, the agreement’s language also encompasses things like: money owed to you or by you, health and retirement benefits, intellectual property/proprietary information guidance, non-disparagement clauses, non-compete requirements, cooperation provisions, and release of claims clauses. Basically, this agreement spells out your obligations to your former employer, and its terms will affect you many years into the future. This is why it is so critical that you consult with an employment attorney in Contra Costa, Alameda, Solano, and San Joaquin Counties, before signing this contract. Our Walnut Creek severance agreement lawyers know the complexities of severance contracts, and can give you the guidance you need, to move forward with confidence.
How is Severance Pay Calculated?
There is no standard way that severance pay is calculated. One example of how severance pay is calculated to be one week of the employee's standard rate of pay, multiplied by the number of years the employee worked. Other employers may choose an arbitrary amount or others will choose a specific calculation that is in an employment contract or policy.
Generous severance packages may include up to two weeks of pay for every year the employee has worked for the company or other benefits such as bonuses or medical insurance.
What to Look Out For in a Severance Agreement
Do not simply sign a severance agreement without reading it. In a severance agreement, be sure to pay attention to:
- If the termination was unfair
- If you are being retaliated against
- If there is a non-compete clause
- If it involves admissions of fault
- How favorable the offer is – remember that severance agreements are negotiable
- How restrictive the terms are
CONTACT RATNER MONLINEAUX, LLP FOR A CONSULTATION
If you want a legal eye to look at your severance agreement, or you have questions about your rights after signing an existing agreement, we are here to help. Reach out to our law firm today for your consultation.
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“I highly recommend Ratner & Molineaux Law Firm to anyone in need of employment legal assistance.”
“From the initial consultation to the final resolution, their team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism, expertise, and were there with me every step of the way.”- T.T. -
“David and team have done an amazing job”
- F.A.David and team have done an amazing job helping to secure a settlement due to my cessation of employment at a top firm. Thank you so much for your help.
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“Highly Recommend”
Highly recommend. Laid off without notice by a shady Pre IPO lender in San Francisco. No one was given severance and they hired a labor attorney ahead of the layoffs to try and get around paying severance and warn notice. Without this firm taking my case, I would have never received a dime. Do not let a lay off without any severance deter you, contact this firm. Odd thing was 1 letter from this firm and severance was immediately offered. It's a game these high-tech companies are playing and gambling on. Their bet is 98% will not do anything severance and for the small percent that do, the amount to pay versus provided all in the layoff, is pennies on the dollar. Get your documentation, all emails, take photos of slack messages, record any zoom calls where there is a statement " no one is getting laid off" and so forth. Records any zoom calls where you are laid off. Take notes. Protect yourself and family. Working all the holidays and 12-hour days to be let go with nothing, is ridiculous. Use this firm and provide all your documentation. Good Luck!- J.C. -
“Extremely Satisfied”
I was referred to Ratner Molineaux after my daughter and I suffered injury and property damage resulting from a defective product in our home. During my very first conversation with David Ratner, I found him to be straightforward, professional, and extremely responsive to my concerns. Thereafter, David took the time to walk us through each and every stage of the litigation process and was an excellent advocate for my daughter and I. He remained fiercely protective of our interests and represented us well during mediation, preparation for trial, and settlement talks. David's style is very direct and to the point, which might be off putting for some, but worked well for me since I tend to be laser focused when dealing with business matters. Near the conclusion of my case, I had the opportunity to meet his partner Shelley, who had also diligently and effectively assisted with our litigation. In the end, our result was more than adequate, and both my daughter and I walked away extremely satisfied with both the representation we'd received, and the outcome of our claim. I definitely recommend this firm.- D.M. -
“Professional opinion and experienced perspective”
reached out to Ratner Molineaux after a previous attorney referral did not follow through despite the time sensitivity of my issue. The Ratner Molineaux team responded quickly to schedule a consultation on a work-related matter. David Ratner reviewed my issues and provided options and great advice how I could proceed. It was great peace of mind to have a professional opinion and experienced perspective. The consultation with David Ratner gave me the confidence and knowledge I needed to make my final decision.- L.C. -
“Great guidance and quick resolution”
David and team provided great guidance and quick resolution to my matter. I appreciated David's willingness to listen and the team’s responsiveness. I highly recommend them and will definitely call them again in the future if needed.- J.K. -
“Kind compassionate service”
Highly recommend. Prompt response and kind compassionate service with a difficult employment situation.- J.F. -
“Really great to work with”
David and Hanna were really great to work with. David took the time to educate me, provided service, and gave me the support I needed to start representing my own interests. Highly recommend this group.- Q.N.
