If you have been offered a job, your new employer will likely require that you sign an employment agreement as a condition of employment. Before you sign the agreement, reviewing your employment agreements with an experienced New Jersey employment lawyer is essential. That’s where Castronovo & McKinney, LLC comes in.
Our employment law practice is dedicated to protecting the rights of employees through all phases of the employment relationship. Well-versed in the applicable federal, state, and local employment laws, we can help you with reviewing your employment agreements before you take on a new position. Given that employment contracts are complicated, it is crucial to have the informed representation we provide.
When you become our client, we will take the time to carefully review the agreement, negotiate any changes we believe may be necessary, and make sure your rights are protected. In the event of a contract dispute, we work to achieve positive outcomes through negotiation and litigation. Contact our office today so you can get to work reviewing your employment agreement.
Reviewing Employment Agreements with an Experienced Attorney
At Castronovo & McKinney, we understand the needs and concerns of New Jersey workers and know that employers have an unfair advantage when it comes to employment agreements. Backed by decades of experience, we leverage our knowledge and skills to review all types of employment agreements:
Employment Agreement
Employers across multiple industries throughout New Jersey typically require new employees to sign an employment agreement, which is intended to clarify the employee’s duties and responsibilities, as well as details such as:
- Compensation
- Work schedule
- Term of employment (e.g. temporary, permanent)
- Paid time off
- Employee benefits
- Grounds for termination
Also, employment agreements typically include restricted covenants, including a nondisclosure or noncompete agreement.
Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA)
A nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement is designed to prevent employees from sharing confidential business information (e.g. trade secrets, processes, client lists) with both insiders and others outside of the company. For an NDA agreement to be enforceable, it must be fair and reasonable and not overly restrictive.
Noncompete Agreement
A noncompete clause is a type of restrictive covenant that is used by employers to prevent departing employees from taking positions with competitors or starting a competing business. While these agreements are usually designed for executives, salespersons, and other key people, some employers require all prospective employees to sign a noncompete. If the provision is too broad in terms of duration and scope, however, it may be deemed invalid by the New Jersey courts.
Severance Agreements
In the event of termination, employees may be asked to sign severance agreements that specify the reason for the termination. While severance pay may also be offered, the agreement will typically include a release and waiver of liability which prevents you from taking legal action against your former employer.
For this reason, you should not sign a severance agreement before an attorney has a chance to review it. Our legal team can help to resolve any issues related to your termination, negotiate a favorable severance package, and determine whether you have any valid claims against your former employer.
- Were you fired because you complained about discrimination, harassment, or illegal conduct in the workplace?
- Were you fired due to your age, race, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or another legally protected characteristic?
- Did your employer violate any applicable employment laws?
Trust our employment lawyers to make sure you are treated fairly. We will work hard to protect your employment rights and your future.
Why Choose Castronovo & McKinney, LLC for Reviewing Your Employment Agreements
If you have been asked to sign an employment agreement, let our attorneys review the agreement and advise you of all your options. While employers have the upper hand, the fact you’ve been offered a job gives us room to negotiate.
Whether you need assistance reviewing an employment agreement, NDA, noncompete or severance agreement, we will provide you with trustworthy advice and counsel so that you can make informed decisions about your future. In the event of a dispute (e.g. breach of contract), we will work strategically to protect your interests in and out of the courtroom.
At Castronovo & McKinney, LLC, we also work with small and mid-sized businesses throughout the Garden State to put in place well-conceived employment agreements. Our experienced employment lawyers can help your business establish employment agreements that protect your confidential business information and avoid liability but also allow you to attract and retain qualified employees.
Contact Our Experienced New Jersey Employment Agreement Attorneys
Signing an employment agreement can have a lasting impact on your new job as well as your future prospects. By working with our experienced employment agreement attorneys, you will have comfort knowing that your interests will be protected. Contact our office today to set up an appointment.
Castronovo & McKinney, LLC helps clients with their reviewing their employment agreements throughout New Jersey including Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, and Morris County as well as the cities Hackensack, Newark, New Brunswick, and Morristown.