The overview below is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different — begin a free case evaluation to discuss your specific circumstances.
Severance Review and Negotiation
A severance agreement is a contract: the employer offers pay or benefits, and in exchange you typically release all legal claims against the company. Once signed, that release is usually permanent. Before signing, it is critical to understand whether the offer fairly reflects the strength of any claims you may hold, your tenure, and the circumstances of your departure.
What we review and negotiate
- Severance amount, payment structure, and benefits continuation
- The scope of the release and any carve-outs you should keep
- Non-compete, non-solicitation, and confidentiality obligations
- Equity treatment, bonuses, and commissions owed at separation
- References, non-disparagement, and how your departure is characterized
Know your timing rights
If you are 40 or older, the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act generally requires that you be given at least 21 days to consider an agreement releasing age discrimination claims (45 days in group termination programs), plus 7 days to revoke after signing. State law also shapes what employers can demand — for example, Minnesota now bans most new non-compete agreements. Use the review window. A careful review often reveals leverage you did not know you had, and negotiated improvements to severance packages are common.