Employment Contracts
Employment contracts define the working relationship between an employer and an employee and outline the terms and conditions of employment, the employee’s job responsibilities, and the manner in which the employee may be separated from their employment. Compensation, insurance, retirement benefits, stock options and restrictive covenants can all be part of an employment contract. Negotiating the terms of an employment contract requires knowledge and experience that is best provided by an experienced employment lawyer.
At the Cherry Hill employment law firm of McOmber & McOmber, P.C., our experienced and reputable employment lawyers are dedicated to helping our clients enter into employment contracts that are reasonable and legally sound. There are many terms that can be defined in an employment contract. Failing to carefully examine the language and terminology used in the agreement can have a negative effect on your future job opportunities and earning potential. We help our clients negotiate contracts that are fair and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Types of Employment Contracts in New Jersey
There are many different types of employment contracts and agreements. Once finalized, employers and employees are bound to the provisions within these agreements. Generally speaking, these contracts are legally binding and carry significant weight in New Jersey Courts.
- Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements: This type of agreement specifically defines what information an employee can disclose to third parties, such as a competitor. Confidential information can include such things as trade secrets, financial information, customer lists, proprietary methods and processes, and other such information Employees that violate the terms of these agreements can face termination, a lawsuit, or other legal consequence.
- Employment Agreements and Executive Agreements: This type of agreement outlines an employee’s job description, which can include the length of employment, responsibilities, compensation and benefits, and retirement or stock options. These agreements may also address how dispute resolutions will be handled.
- Non-Compete, Non-Solicit and Restrictive Covenants: In these types of agreements, employees agree to specific provisions that limit them from opening up a similar business or working for a competitor after termination. These covenants may also prohibit the employee from soliciting active or recently-separated employees to work with or for them, or to contact or solicit clients from the former employer.
- Severance Packages: When an employee separates from a company, either through being terminated or resigning, the employee may be offered a severance package. A severance package is a compensation package offered in exchange for the employee waiving and releasing any legal claims against the company. The language used to draft these agreements can be very confusing and signing a severance agreement without legal counsel can lead to restrictions on future employment and, more importantly, may restrict the employee’s ability to sue their employer for a legitimate reason – such as sexual harassment or other employment discrimination. The severance agreement may actually be inadequate “hush money” to cover up a violation of the employee’s rights or an unlawful firing. For this reason, it is imperative that employees consult with knowledgeable employment attorneys before signing a severance agreement.
Cherry Hill Employment Lawyers at McOmber & McOmber, P.C. Negotiate Employment Contracts
Entering into an employment contract is serious. The terms and conditions of your employment, benefit packages, and restrictions on future employment and earning potential can have a significant impact on your career. The terminology and legal verbiage can be confusing and it is vital that you fully understand what terms you are agreeing to before you sign.
Our Cherry Hill employment lawyers at McOmber & McOmber, P.C. have over 40 years of experience drafting, negotiating, and resolving disputes in employment contracts. Our team of highly skilled employment lawyers in New Jersey will ensure that your legal rights and best interests are protected at every step of the process.
