Massachusetts Severance Agreement Attorneys
A severance agreement is a binding contract, often prepared by corporate counsel to protect the employer’s interests first. These agreements can affect a professional’s income, benefits, reputation, future employment and legal rights long after a job ends.
Krasnoo, Klehm & Falkner LLP provides severance agreement review and negotiation for professionals in Andover, the Merrimack Valley and across Massachusetts. With 100 combined years of legal knowledge, the firm brings a strong background in employment disputes and civil litigation to separation-package negotiations.
Why A Severance Agreement Needs Careful Legal Review
A severance agreement usually asks an employee to accept compensation in exchange for giving up certain rights. Before signing, a professional should understand exactly what the agreement requires and what it may prevent them from doing later.
A severance agreement may include terms involving:
- Severance pay and payment timing
- Health benefit extensions
- Noncompete restrictions
- Nonsolicitation clauses
- Confidentiality obligations
- Nondisparagement language
- Neutral reference provisions
- A general release of legal claims
A severance agreement lawyer Massachusetts professionals work with can review these terms before the deadline passes. Older workers should be more careful, as agreements involving age-discrimination waivers may include specific review and revocation periods.
Protecting Compensation, Benefits And Career Mobility
Severance terms are not always final just because an employer presents them in writing. An attorney may be able to negotiate for:
- Stronger financial terms
- Extended health benefits
- A better payment schedule
- Clearer language that reduces future risk
Restrictive clauses also deserve close review. A broad noncompete or nonsolicitation clause may limit a professional’s ability to work in the same industry, serve clients or accept a new opportunity. For executives and wealth managers, these restrictions can affect short-term income and long-term career growth.
Reputation protections are also crucial. A carefully drafted agreement may include mutual nondisparagement language and structured neutral reference terms. These provisions can help protect a professional’s standing after separation and reduce the risk of damaging statements.
Understanding The General Release Of Claims
Many severance agreements require the employee to release legal claims against the employer. These may include claims involving:
- Age discrimination
- Gender discrimination
- Unpaid wages
- Retaliation
- Other employment-related disputes
An experienced employment litigator can determine whether potential claims may create leverage in negotiations.
Schedule A Consultation
Krasnoo, Klehm & Falkner LLP applies 100 combined years of legal knowledge to help clients understand their rights, evaluate risk and pursue stronger separation terms in Massachusetts. Dial 978-475-9955 or fill out the intake form to get started.