Bellflower Severance Agreement Lawyer

Bellflower Severance Agreement Attorney

Whether your company is downsizing, laying employees off, or simply letting you go, you may be offered a severance package to ease the transition or protect your employer from legal liability. In exchange for this package, you’ll have to sign a severance agreement, saying you won’t pursue legal action against the company. However, these agreements are not always fair to employees. A Bellflower severance agreement lawyer can protect your interests during the severance process.

If you believe the agreement is against your interests or may even violate the law, contact an attorney to represent you in severance negotiations. The team at The Law Office of Briana Kim can provide the assistance you deserve.

Briana Kim, PC: Your Bellflower Severance Agreement Lawyer

Briana Kim, founder of The Law Office of Briana Kim, has well over a decade of experience in employment law. Apart from her work with large firms and Neighborhood Legal Services, she’s also worked at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She’s seen employment disputes from various sides of the legal process, and she can put her knowledge and insight to work for you.

Our team knows the state’s severance agreement laws, and we can protect you from being taken advantage of while leveraging the facts in your favor. We can review your severance package and agreement, advise you of your rights, and negotiate on your behalf.

What Is a Severance Package?

Bellflower is home to several employers, including Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. A severance package is a payment that some of these employers make to employees when they are terminated. Employees occasionally have rights to severance packages, but that is relatively uncommon. Only 25% of firms in the U.S. offer all their employees severance pay when they’re let go. Only 28% provide entry-level employees with severance.

This package includes financial payments as well as other benefits, but they often come in exchange for certain agreements. Typically, severance agreements state that the employee cannot sue the company for any wrongdoing, and they’re often prevented from speaking about the company and its operations. These agreements are legally binding contracts, and you’ll be expected to live up to any enforceable clauses in the agreement.

Note that severance agreements are not legally required in California. Even if your employer initially offers a severance package, they can rescind that offer at any time prior to signing. That’s one of the many reasons it’s wise to consult an experienced attorney to review a severance agreement.

Common Components of Severance Agreements

While a severance agreement is typically tailored to the specific employee asked to sign it, these agreements often contain many of the same provisions in exchange for payment and benefits. Common components of severance agreements include the following:

• Employees often cannot discuss the contents of the agreement.
• An employee cannot share the trade secrets of the company.
• Severed employees cannot say anything negative about the employer, which is known as a non-disparagement clause.
• Employees cannot disclose the reason for their firing.
• A former employee often forfeits the right to file claims against the company.
• A severed employee cannot help other employees bring claims against the company.

Why You Want a Severance Agreement Lawyer

Employers are not required to offer severance packages, and there’s often a reason they extend that offer to employees upon termination. That’s why it’s wise to consult a Bellflower severance agreement attorney before you sign anything.

An attorney can review the agreement, advise you on whether the terms are fair to you, and make sure the deal is legally enforceable. For example, California Business and Professions Code § 16600 makes most non-compete clauses unenforceable. If your employer includes one in a severance agreement, it can open them up to liability.

Additionally, attorneys can also fight for better terms for you. Your lawyer can negotiate to:

• Secure higher compensation.
• Amend the reason for termination to reflect better on you.
• Stipulate that you receive job references or letters of recommendation.

FAQs

Do I Need a Lawyer to Negotiate a Severance Package?

While hiring a lawyer is not required to negotiate a severance package, having an experienced and knowledgeable employment law attorney on your side can secure everything you deserve. These agreements have a long-term impact on your life, and a lawyer can review the package to look for unfavorable terms or discrepancies to protect you and make sure you get what you deserve.

What Are the Red Flags in a Severance Agreement?

Some red flags in a severance agreement include:

• Pressure to sign quickly
• Vague clauses regarding non-compete terms
• Confidentiality clauses that can block reports of harassment or other negative behaviors
• Clauses that require any sort of repayment

Also, look to make sure the package includes everything you’re already owed, like back pay or PTO.

Can Negotiating Severance Backfire?

Yes, negotiating severance can backfire, particularly if you push too hard for an unreasonable request. The company may take benefits away as you fight for what you want in the agreement, or they may rescind the offer entirely. What’s more, you may end up accidentally agreeing to unfavorable terms if you aren’t careful, especially if you’re negotiating without a lawyer by your side.

Is It Worth Fighting a Severance Package? 

Yes, it is worth fighting a severance package, particularly if you feel you could secure additional benefits and better terms for yourself. Keep in mind, the initial severance offer is just the starting point. It’s not final, and you could negotiate to get more money and benefits if you fight. That said, if you have no leverage, it may be wise to accept that initial offer. Consult an attorney before signing anything, however.

Hire a Bellflower Severance Agreement Lawyer From The Law Office of Briana Kim

If you’ve been offered a severance package upon termination by your employer, it’s important to have an attorney review the document. Hire a Bellflower severance agreement lawyer before you sign anything to safeguard your rights and receive what you’re entitled to. Briana Kim, PC, can help with your severance agreement case. We can make sure the terms of the deal are fair and enforceable, guiding you and negotiating on your behalf. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

Locations

249 East Ocean Blvd, Ste 814
Long Beach, CA 90802

6 Centerpointe Dr, Ste 700,
La Palma, CA 90623