Are you a Boise employee who has been let go from your job and offered a severance package? Before signing on the dotted line, it is crucial to have an experienced severance pay attorney review the agreement. At HKM Employment Attorneys LLP, our Boise severance pay attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of employees throughout Idaho. We provide thorough guidance to help you understand the terms of your severance offer and negotiate the best possible arrangement. Put our skills and experience to work for you.
Why You Need a Severance Pay Attorney
Severance agreements are complex legal contracts that can significantly impact your future. While a severance package may initially seem generous, it is likely drafted to benefit your former employer, not you. Here are some important reasons to consult with a severance pay attorney in Boise before accepting an offer:
Protecting Your Legal Rights
By signing a severance agreement, you are waiving your right to sue your former employer for wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or other legal claims. Our skilled severance pay lawyers in Boise will ensure you are not signing away important legal protections without adequate compensation. We will identify any red flags in the agreement and advise you of your options.
Negotiating Better Terms
Severance agreements are often negotiable, even if your employer tells you otherwise. However, negotiating on your own can be intimidating, especially when dealing with a large company with experienced legal counsel. Our Boise severance pay lawyers level the playing field. We will assess the strength of any potential legal claims and our bargaining power and advise you on what terms to negotiate. Whether it is a higher severance amount, continued health insurance, or a more favorable non-compete clause, we will fight for a severance package that protects your interests.
Ensuring a Fair Deal
How do you know if the severance amount you are being offered is fair? Our experienced severance pay attorneys in Boise can tell you if the offer is reasonable based on your unique circumstances, including your salary, length of employment, and reason for termination. We will also ensure the agreement complies with federal and Idaho employment laws. You can feel confident you are getting the best possible deal.
Providing Clarity
Legal jargon in severance agreements can be confusing. Our Boise severance pay attorneys will take the time to thoroughly explain the terms and how they will affect you. We will make sure you understand any restrictions on your future employment, non-disclosure provisions, and what happens to your retirement benefits, stock options, and other forms of compensation. With a clear understanding of the contract, you can make an informed decision about whether to accept.
What We Will Review in Your Severance Agreement
When you come to HKM Employment Attorneys LLP with a severance offer, here are some of the key issues we will examine:
- Severance amount: Is the severance pay fair and reasonable based on your particular circumstances? We will review whether you are owed any unpaid bonuses, commissions, or other wages.
- Release of legal claims: We will ensure you are not waiving your right to bring certain legal claims, like unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, or vested retirement benefits. If you have a potential legal claim against your employer, like discrimination or wrongful termination, we will evaluate the strength of your case and negotiate for additional compensation in exchange for releasing the claim.
- Restrictive covenants: Many severance agreements contain restrictive covenants, such as non-compete or non-solicitation clauses, that limit your future employment options. We will review these provisions to ensure they are enforceable under Idaho law and not overly broad. If necessary, we will negotiate to narrow their scope or reduce the time period.
- Confidentiality provisions: Severance agreements often prohibit you from disclosing the terms of the agreement or disparaging your former employer. We will make sure these provisions do not prevent you from discussing illegal conduct or filing necessary legal claims.
- Cooperation requirements: Some severance contracts require you to cooperate with your former employer in the future, such as in a lawsuit or internal investigation. We will ensure these obligations are reasonable and you are adequately compensated for your time.
- Payment terms: We will review the payment schedule and ensure all wages and benefits owed to you are correctly accounted for. If you are entitled to continued health insurance coverage under COBRA, we will make sure your employer complies with their obligations.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
When you meet with an experienced HKM severance pay attorney, here is what you can expect:
- Document review: We will carefully review your severance agreement and any other relevant employment documents you provide, like your employment contract, employee handbook, or commission plan.
- Evaluation of legal claims: We will ask about the circumstances of your termination and assess whether you have any potential legal claims against your employer, such as discrimination, retaliation, or breach of contract. If so, we will advise you on the strength of your claims and how they may affect your severance negotiations.
- Discussion of goals: We will ask about your priorities and concerns regarding the severance process. Are you looking to maximize your financial compensation, preserve your reputation, or transition to a new job as smoothly as possible? We will tailor our approach to your specific needs.
- Explanation of rights: We will clearly explain your legal rights and how the severance agreement affects them. We will advise you of any deadlines for accepting the offer or pursuing legal action.
- Negotiation strategy: If you decide to move forward with negotiating the agreement, we will discuss our recommended strategy. We may advise proposing a counter-offer or building leverage through a potential legal claim.
- Next steps: We will advise you of the next steps in the process, including any additional information or documentation we need from you. If you hire our firm, we will promptly begin working on your case.
Schedule Your Free Severance Agreement Consultation Today
If you have been offered a severance package in Boise, do not sign anything until you speak with an experienced severance pay attorney in Boise. At HKM Employment Attorneys LLP, we provide trusted guidance to employees throughout Boise and surrounding areas. We will fight to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome. Call our office today to schedule your free initial consultation. We look forward to putting our knowledge and skills to work for you.
